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Birth defects are common, affecting nearly 120,000 babies every year. When a child is born with a congenital defect or deformity, parents often wonder why trying to pinpoint the cause. According to the March of Dimes, about 40% of birth deformities result from genetic, environmental factors, or toxic medications taken during pregnancy.
At The Beasley Firm, we have over 60 years of experience helping families recover compensation when their child suffers an injury prior to, during, or immediately after birth. If another party was responsible for your infant’s birth defect, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact our office at for a free case evaluation.
Genetics may be the cause of some birth defects. A genetic cause of a birth defect happens when one or both parents pass an inherited defective gene or missing gene onto the developing baby. Some of the more common birth defects that are inherited or genetic include Cystic Fibrosis, Tay – Sachs Disease, and Fragile X Syndrome.
Chromosomal abnormalities can also result in birth defects or certain syndromes. If there is a disruption or damage to chromosomes that lead to either too many or not enough chromosomes, it could lead to a birth defect. Trisomy 13 or Down’s syndrome occurs when there is an extra chromosome.
When there is no chromosomal or genetic explanation for a child’s syndrome or birth abnormality, physicians may look at other potential causes of your child’s birth defect, developmental delays, neurologic problems, or cerebral palsy.
There are scientific studies that link certain infections, chemicals, or toxic substances to the development of congenital disabilities.
Some of the more common environmental factors that can lead to a birth defect are:
At times, pregnant mothers may be unaware that they have been exposed to certain toxic environmental causes of birth defects during their pregnancy because the toxins or poisons could be hidden in contaminated soil, locally grown fruits and vegetables, groundwater, well water, or in the air.
Working in certain occupations or industries can also expose a pregnant mother to chemicals, solutions, or solvents that can cause birth defects.
Some workplaces that may expose the growing fetus to hazardous chemicals are:
It is important to note that birth defects are different from birth injuries. Birth injuries happen during the labor and delivery process and are generally the result of healthcare provider negligence or medical malpractice. On the other hand, birth defects may be caused by genetics, infections during pregnancy, environmental toxins, medications, and several other factors.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that a baby is born with a birth defect every 4 ½ minutes in the United States. In some cases, the cause of the birth defect may be due to a prescribed medication the mother was taking during pregnancy.
Common medications or drugs that have been linked to birth defects or deformities at birth are:
Other medications that have been linked to neural tube defects or spina bifida are medications that block or prevent folic acid from being converted into its active metabolites.
Medications such as trimethoprim, sulfasalazine, or Methotrexate are known to block the conversion of folic acid. They can cause spinal cord birth defects if taken early on in the pregnancy when the spinal column is forming.
If your child was born with a birth defect, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact our office to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. Our nationally-recognized legal team will help determine if you have a valid claim for damages. Call our office at (215) 918-7390 to get started.
Birth defects are common, affecting nearly 120,000 babies every year. When a child is born with a congenital defect or deformity, parents often wonder why trying to pinpoint the cause. According to the March of Dimes, about 40% of birth deformities result from genetic, environmental factors, or toxic medications taken during pregnancy.
At The Beasley Firm, we have over 60 years of experience helping families recover compensation when their child suffers an injury prior to, during, or immediately after birth. If another party was responsible for your infant’s birth defect, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact our office at (215) 918-7390 for a free case evaluation.
Genetics may be the cause of some birth defects. A genetic cause of a birth defect happens when one or both parents pass an inherited defective gene or missing gene onto the developing baby. Some of the more common birth defects that are inherited or genetic include Cystic Fibrosis, Tay – Sachs Disease, and Fragile X Syndrome.
Chromosomal abnormalities can also result in birth defects or certain syndromes. If there is a disruption or damage to chromosomes that lead to either too many or not enough chromosomes, it could lead to a birth defect. Trisomy 13 or Down’s syndrome occurs when there is an extra chromosome.
When there is no chromosomal or genetic explanation for a child’s syndrome or birth abnormality, physicians may look at other potential causes of your child’s birth defect, developmental delays, neurologic problems, or cerebral palsy.
There are scientific studies that link certain infections, chemicals, or toxic substances to the development of congenital disabilities.
Some of the more common environmental factors that can lead to a birth defect are:
At times, pregnant mothers may be unaware that they have been exposed to certain toxic environmental causes of birth defects during their pregnancy because the toxins or poisons could be hidden in contaminated soil, locally grown fruits and vegetables, groundwater, well water, or in the air.
Working in certain occupations or industries can also expose a pregnant mother to chemicals, solutions, or solvents that can cause birth defects.
Some workplaces that may expose the growing fetus to hazardous chemicals are:
It is important to note that birth defects are different from birth injuries. Birth injuries happen during the labor and delivery process and are generally the result of healthcare provider negligence or medical malpractice. On the other hand, birth defects may be caused by genetics, infections during pregnancy, environmental toxins, medications, and several other factors.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that a baby is born with a birth defect every 4 ½ minutes in the United States. In some cases, the cause of the birth defect may be due to a prescribed medication the mother was taking during pregnancy.
Common medications or drugs that have been linked to birth defects or deformities at birth are:
Other medications that have been linked to neural tube defects or spina bifida are medications that block or prevent folic acid from being converted into its active metabolites.
Medications such as trimethoprim, sulfasalazine, or Methotrexate are known to block the conversion of folic acid. They can cause spinal cord birth defects if taken early on in the pregnancy when the spinal column is forming.
If your child was born with a birth defect, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact our office to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. Our nationally-recognized legal team will help determine if you have a valid claim for damages. Call our office to get started.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.