The journey from pregnancy to childbirth leads to joyful times for expectant parents and their doctors. However, when birth defects occur, parents may consult an attorney about their rights to compensation for their child’s condition and needs. Here is some information about birth defects and the grounds for lawsuits. 

A Guide to Birth Defects Cases

Birth Defects Defined

Birth defects are functional or structural conditions that occur in infants before they are born. One out of every 33 babies born in the United States has some birth defect. Doctors can detect many defects before or shortly after birth, such as Down syndrome, Fragile X, muscular dystrophy, and sickle cell anemia, although no cures exist. Other detectable defects are correctable, even in the womb, including spina bifida, lower urinary tract obstructions, congenital hernias, and certain heart abnormalities.      

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects have numerous causes, including consumption of alcoholic beverages and cocaine. Prescription drugs such as lithium, isotretinoin, and some male hormones can result in defects. Other causes include exposure to toxic substances, pesticides, and lead. Some birth defects have no known cause. When a cause can be determined and linked to an entity or individual, personal injury attorneys file lawsuits against them on behalf of injured infants and parents.

Medical Malpractice Related to Birth Defects

Doctors failing to perform tests including ultrasounds or amniocentesis may be liable for damages when infants are born with defects that could have been detected by such tests. Other grounds for lawsuits include misdiagnoses and medical prescription errors.

Lawsuits for Wrongful Birth

In New York, parents have the right to file wrongful birth lawsuits. Their attorneys seek to recover extraordinary financial expenses that parents would not have if their doctors had detected and informed them about the defects before birth.

For more information about birth defects or to file a lawsuit against your doctor, contact the attorneys at Neimark & Neimark in New City, NY. They have more than 40 years of experience advising and representing parents in Orange and Rockland counties regarding birth defects lawsuits, including medical malpractice cases. Protect your rights to full compensation for your baby’s extra needs. To schedule a consultation with an attorney, call (888) 725-7424. Visit their website for more information about their law firm.