Birth Injury Lawyers

Although presented by the Food and Drug Administration, many warnings on prescription drugs can go unheeded. The consequences, passed on to unknowing patients, may range from severe reactions to the drugs to birth defects. The chemicals in these medications can contribute to various developmental problems in fetuses, sometimes leading to permanent disorders and disabilities.

Depression has emerged as a major psychological concern among many Americans. Although there is a general understanding of what the disorder is and how it affects people, treatment options may vary greatly depending on the case. All the same, many psychiatrists prefer a mixture of therapy and pharmaceutical treatments to achieve best results. However, these drugs may actually damage a fetus’s development, leading to heart complications and possibly the development of primary pulmonary hypertension.

Acne and skin medications have also been cited as problematic for expecting mothers. Many acne-fighting drugs have been linked to severe and often permanent birth defects. Some of these medications are not recommended for anyone considering conceiving a child within 3 years of use.

Other common medications that may contribute to serious birth defects include sleeping aids and anti-anxiety treatments. These drugs may lead to the development of severe muscle, respiratory, and temperature control problems. Any drugs within this related class, known as benzodiazepines, should be avoided by pregnant women.

To learn more about drug complications, birth defects, and affected family’s legal rights, contact a medical malpractice lawyer. You may be eligible for compensation for the defects that your child has developed if you were not informed of the potential dangerous side effects that a drug could have.

During a baby’s development, so many things can go wrong. Genetic problems can arise, the mother’s choices can harm the baby, illnesses can contribute to abnormalities, etc. However, delivery does not guarantee a baby’s safety, either. Problems during labor can also contribute to lifelong health issues for the child. There are two main causes of health issues for babies, birth defects and birth injuries.

The terms “birth injury” and “birth defect” are not synonymous, nor do birth injuries cause birth defects. The main difference between the two things is the cause of the problem. Birth injuries occur when health care staff and doctors or midwives or other such people mishandle a baby or misdirect a birth, causing harm to the child. This harm may be temporary or permanent.

Some tools used during the delivery process can cause injury to a newborn. Forceps and vacuums can cause bruising and broken bones and other injuries including cephalohematomas, skull fractures, lacerations, nerve damage, and hemorrhaging. Besides damage from the misuse of tools, dropping the baby can cause permanent brain damage and shaken baby syndrome.

One common group of birth injuries are brachial plexus injuries. The brachial plexus is a group of nerves that runs from the spine, up and over the shoulder, and down the arm. It controls arm movement and feeling all the way down to the fingers. Thus, when these nerves are strain or torn during birth, it can cause issues like Klumpke’s palsy and Erb’s palsy.

Typically, the brachial plexus is injured during shoulder dystocia, when a baby becomes stuck in the birth canal. If a doctor does not act calmly and efficiently and utilize the proper maneuvering necessary to free the newborn, the baby can be left with temporary or even permanent nerve damage.

On the other hand, birth defects are not directly caused by anyone’s recklessness or negligence. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that one out of every 33 American babies suffers from a birth defect each year. They are the leading cause of infant deaths, claiming about 20% of deaths each year.

There are several different causes of birth defects, including:

Genetics – achondroplasia, Marfan syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs

Environment – fetal alcohol syndrome, congenital rubella syndrome

Multifactorial – spina bifida, cleft palate

While some birth defects are permanent, others can be treated or at least helped with surgery or therapy.

Even though birth defects can be out of your control, birth injuries are preventable. If a doctor or medical staff’s negligence has caused harm to your baby, you should speak to a lawyer about your options. For more information, check out Lowenthal & Abrams P.C today.