Birth Defect Lawsuits
If you recently gave birth to a child with a birth defect or your child died at birth, you may have the legal right to obtain compensation. Birth defects can permanently negatively impact your child's health and lifestyle. If the birth defect was caused by someone's error, someone's negligence, a dangerous condition, a design flaw or a manufacturing defect, you may be entitled to compensation for your child's injuries and other losses.
According to the Centers for Disease Control birth defects are the leading causes of infant mortality in the United States, accounting for more than 20% of all infant deaths. Of about 120,000 U.S. babies born each year with a birth defect, 8,000 die during their first year of life. In addition, birth defects are the fifth-leading cause of years of potential life lost and contribute substantially to childhood morbidity and long-term disability.
A birth defect is a problem that happens while the baby is developing in the mother’s body. Most birth defects happen during the first 3 months of pregnancy. A birth defect may affect how the body looks, works, or both. It can be found before birth, at birth, or anytime after birth. Most defects are found within the first year of life. Some birth defects (such as cleft lip or clubfoot) are easy to see, but others (such as heart defects or hearing loss) are found using special tests (such as x-rays, CAT scans, or hearing tests). Birth defects can vary from mild to severe. Birth defect personal injury cases are usually complex and expensive. You should always consult a qualified, licensed lawyer. These personal injury cases are normally handled on a contingency basis. Typically there are no fees unless the lawyer obtains a settlement or award for you. |
