Alabama Birth Defect Lawyer

As a parent, you want what’s best for your child. Unfortunately, children with birth defects sometimes struggle to reach their full potential. If your child developed a birth defect due to improper medical care, you have the right to demand compensation from the at-fault healthcare provider so that your child has the resources they need to live the fullest life possible.

The birth defect lawyers at Serious Injury Law Group can help you demand this compensation. As Alabama natives, we are committed to serving our community and treating every client like family. We want everyone to have the legal help they need, which is why we do not charge for initial consultations or collect a fee unless our Alabama birth injury lawyer wins.

You and your child deserve justice and financial security after this preventable tragedy. Contact Serious Injury Law Group today to find out how an Alabama birth defect lawyer can help.

What are Birth Defects?

A birth defect is any medical condition a child develops while in their mother’s womb. Different birth defects affect many different body parts and systems. Some birth defects impact several body parts or systems. The effects of birth defects are often permanent, though effective treatment is available for some conditions. Children with birth defects can and do live productive lives, but they often struggle compared to those born without health problems.

Some people use the terms “birth defect” and “birth injury” interchangeably, but the words have different meanings. While birth defects originate while the child is in the womb, birth injuries occur during labor and delivery. Birth defects and injuries can have catastrophic effects and result from medical malpractice.

Types of Birth Defects

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintain a list of common birth defects, including:

• Congenital heart defects – Congenital heart issues are the most common birth defect, according to the CDC. These defects impact the heart’s structure and blood flow, severely impacting the baby’s development. Heart defect symptoms include low energy, fast or difficult breathing, blue-tinted lips or nails, and sleepiness when feeding.
• Spina bifida – Spina bifida affects the body’s neural tubes. When these tubes do not close properly, the backbone that should protect the tube does not form. Damage to neural tubes causes a range of physical and intellectual disabilities, depending on the injury’s size, location, and severity.
• Cleft lip or palate – A cleft lip or palate occurs when those parts of a baby’s face do not form properly during pregnancy. Because these structures have not formed properly, children with a cleft lip or palate often have trouble eating and speaking. A cleft lip or palate can also increase a child’s risk of ear infections.
• Hypoxia – Cerebral hypoxia can result when the brain does not get enough blood or oxygen. Without the proper nutrients, the brain’s cells begin to die, causing permanent damage. Hypoxia can be fatal if it is not treated quickly.
• Cerebral palsy – Cerebral palsy is a catch-all term for several disorders affecting muscle tone, motor functions, and posture. The effects of cerebral palsy are often permanent and include problems with movement, coordination, eating, speaking, learning, and sensation.
• Erb’s palsy – Erb’s palsy is a form of brachial plexus palsy that occurs when a baby’s neck is stretched too far. This can happen during pregnancy or labor and delivery. When a baby’s neck is overextended, the baby may suffer nerve damage or paralysis.
• Intellectual disabilities – Many birth defects cause intellectual disabilities without any physical symptoms. These disabilities can be caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, trauma to a developing fetus, or exposure to toxic chemicals. Children born with intellectual disabilities usually live with the effects their entire lives.

Causes of Birth Defects

Birth defects have many potential causes, including:

• Exposure to toxic chemicals – If a baby or mother is exposed to toxic chemicals as the child develops, those chemicals can hinder the development of critical body parts or systems. These chemicals sometimes enter a developing fetus’ system through tainted baby products.
• Infection – Babies who suffer infections while developing in the womb are at greater risk of developing birth defects.
• Physical trauma – If a mother falls or suffers another injury that impacts a developing fetus, the child could develop a congenital disability.
• Lack of oxygen to the brain – When the brain is deprived of oxygen, its cells begin to die. A child could suffer permanent or fatal brain damage if something cuts off the supply of oxygen or blood to their brain while in utero.
• Medical malpractice – Doctors must be especially cautious when caring for pregnant women, as developing babies are at heightened risk of injury. When doctors or healthcare facilities do not act with enough caution, their patients are the ones who can suffer.

How Does Medical Malpractice During Pregnancy Cause Birth Defects?

Many birth defects are the result of medical malpractice, such as:

• Not prescribing necessary medications during pregnancy
• Prescribing inappropriate medications during pregnancy
• Not informing patients of potential risks related to pregnancy
• Failing to correctly order or interpret an ultrasound exam
• Incorrectly performing or interpreting diagnostic tests
• Failing to order or perform a C-Section when appropriate
• Failing to monitor a developing fetus’ blood flow and oxygen levels
• Failing to diagnose or treat complications related to pregnancy

Why You Should Hire a Birth Defects Attorney

Hiring a birth defect lawyer is critical to recovering compensation for your child’s injuries. Birth defect lawsuits based on medical malpractice have a higher standard of proof than other personal injury claims. Additionally, if your child’s injuries resulted from a defective product, you may have to contend with major corporations and their high-powered legal teams. Without an experienced attorney in your corner, you may struggle to recover the money you need to take care of your child. An experienced birth defects lawyer can lift this weight from your shoulders, handling your case on your behalf and giving you the time to focus on your family.

At Serious Injury Law Group, our Alabama birth injury lawyer wants to help if your child is struggling with medical issues that could and should have been prevented. Contact us today to discuss your case for free with an Alabama birth defect lawyer.