Prescription drugs are often linked to birth defects. When you are busy researching the type of prescription medications that might hurt your child, you may be extra careful and make sure that you research each medication that you are considering taking. But what if you are given the wrong medication by accident? You may be entitled to compensation for any birth defects that result.

The Harmful Effects of Prescription Medications

SSRIs have been linked to the development of pulmonary hypertension in children who are exposed to them in the womb. Anti-nausea medications have been linked to jaundice and heart defects. Benzodiazepines can cause side effects in infants, such as making it more difficult for them to regulate their body temperatures and breathing difficulties. Some of the medical conditions that infants might develop as a result of prescription medication may lead to expensive medical bills and a lifetime of medical care. 

The Administration of the Wrong Medication

While you are incapacitated, you may be given a drug that may be linked to a birth defect. Under these circumstances, you will have no way to object, and the medical professional responsible for this mistake may be considered negligent as a result. One example is if you have a condition that would lead to you having a bad reaction to a medication or you may receive a medication that you are not able to safely take because of a previous medical condition. Taking it will affect your baby as well.

The Medication Dosage

Receiving too large a dose of a medication can be very dangerous. Simply placing a decimal point in the wrong location can lead to you receiving hundreds of times greater the dosage of the medication than what was intended. This can place you in a dangerous state, and can also harm your baby.

When your doctor makes a mistake that leads to your child developing a birth defect, you will want to find out exactly what went wrong so you can prove that your doctor was negligent. By doing so, you will then be entitled to compensation for any damages you have suffered. You will want to speak with a birth defect attorney to calculate exactly how many damages you may be entitled to.

You may be entitled to various forms of compensation including:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages and future lost wages

However, you will want to take action as soon as possible before the statute of limitations runs out.