Birth Defect Attorney
Birth defects are the leading cause of death in infants, responsible for about 20% of infant deaths. In some cases the cause of a birth defect is never determined, but exposure to teratogens is a common cause of birth defects. A teratogen is an agent, often a substance, which interferes with the baby’s development in the womb. If your child was born with a birth defect, please talk to a birth defect attorney today.
Types and Examples of Birth Defects
Although they can occur later in pregnancy, the majority of birth defects occur during the first trimester; a time when many mothers do not yet know they are pregnant.
There are three basic types of birth defects:
- Structural – a body part is missing or improperly formed
- Metabolic – affects body chemistry
- Functional, or developmental – a problem with how a body part works
Examples of structural birth defects include:
- Heart abnormalities
- Club foot
- Spine bifida
- Cleft lip or palate
Examples of metabolic birth defects include:
- Hypothyroidism
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Examples of functional birth defects include:
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Autism
- Down syndrome
- Learning disabilities
Teratogens Causing Birth Defects
Birth defects can occur when pregnant women are exposed to certain substances. Because genetics can play a role in how these substances affect babies, some can be exposed with no problem while others will develop birth defects from the exposure.
Women are often unknowingly exposed to teratogens in the workplace or by taking certain medications. Teratogenic medications include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Accutane (isotretinoin)
- Anticonvulsants such as Depakote, Dilantin, Tegretol, and Topamax
High-risk industries, work environments, and occupations include:
- Nail salons
- Commercial printing
- Textile industry
- Cosmetician and beautician
- Pet grooming
- Agriculture
- Plastics industry
- Medical laboratories
- Scientific laboratories
- Equipment manufacturing
If you or someone you love has been injured by birth defect, please call our birth defect attorney at 1-877-LOSS-RECOVER (567-7732) or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation with a birth defect attorney is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, in most cases we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.