Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are among the most common birth defects, affecting approximately 1 in 100 newborns. While some heart defects are unavoidable, others may result from medical negligence, pharmaceutical drug exposure, or toxic environmental factors.
If your child was born with a severe heart defect due to a doctor’s failure to diagnose, improper prenatal care, or exposure to harmful substances, you may have grounds for a birth injury lawsuit. A San Diego heart defects lawyer can help you pursue financial compensation for medical expenses, long-term care, and pain and suffering.
What Are Congenital Heart Defects?
Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities of the heart that develop before birth. These defects can range from minor issues requiring minimal treatment to life-threatening conditions that need surgery and ongoing medical care.
Some of the most common congenital heart defects include:
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) – A hole in the wall between the heart’s upper chambers.
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) – A hole in the wall between the lower chambers of the heart.
- Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) – A combination of four heart defects affecting blood flow.
- Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) – A severe defect where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped.
- Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) – The two main arteries of the heart are reversed, affecting oxygen flow.
Many congenital heart defects can be detected through prenatal ultrasounds and diagnostic tests. When doctors fail to diagnose these conditions early, parents lose the opportunity to seek early treatment or make informed medical decisions.
Causes of Congenital Heart Defects in Medical Malpractice Cases
While some heart defects are genetic, others may be linked to medical negligence, environmental exposure, or pharmaceutical drug side effects. Common causes of preventable congenital heart defects include:
Failure to Diagnose Heart Defects During Pregnancy
- Obstetricians and maternal-fetal specialists must monitor fetal heart development.
- Echocardiograms, ultrasounds, and genetic screenings can detect congenital heart defects early.
- If a doctor fails to identify an abnormality, parents may not have the chance to seek necessary medical intervention before or after birth.
Toxic Exposure During Pregnancy
- Harmful chemicals, pesticides, and industrial pollutants have been linked to increased risks of congenital heart defects.
- Families living near contaminated water sources, factories, or hazardous work environments may be exposed to toxic substances affecting fetal development.
- Companies may be held liable for failing to warn pregnant women of exposure risks.
Dangerous Prescription Drugs Linked to Heart Defects
- Certain medications taken during pregnancy have been associated with fetal heart defects, including:
- SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) – Antidepressants like Zoloft, Prozac, and Paxil have been linked to congenital heart defects.
- Anti-seizure drugs (valproic acid, Depakote, Dilantin) – Can increase the risk of major congenital malformations.
- Diabetes medications – Some drugs used to control blood sugar in pregnant women have been linked to heart abnormalities.
- Accutane (isotretinoin) – A common acne medication that can cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
Medical Negligence During Labor and Delivery
- Undiagnosed fetal distress can lead to oxygen deprivation, worsening existing heart defects.
- Failure to perform a timely C-section can result in complications affecting heart function.
- Improper postnatal care may delay necessary treatments or life-saving interventions.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Congenital Heart Defect?
If a congenital heart defect was caused by medical negligence, pharmaceutical drug exposure, or environmental toxins, multiple parties may be held responsible, including:
- Doctors and OB-GYNs – If they failed to diagnose a heart defect or provide proper prenatal care.
- Pharmaceutical companies – If a defective drug caused congenital abnormalities.
- Hospitals and medical facilities – If improper care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery led to complications.
- Corporations or government agencies – If industrial pollution or environmental toxins contributed to fetal heart defects.
A San Diego birth injury lawyer can investigate your case and determine who is responsible for your child’s medical condition and financial hardships.
Compensation Available in a Heart Defect Lawsuit
Families dealing with a congenital heart defect diagnosis may be eligible for significant financial compensation to cover:
Medical Expenses
- Neonatal surgeries and heart procedures
- Ongoing pediatric cardiology care
- Medications and assistive medical devices
Lost Wages and Financial Burden
- Compensation for parents who must leave work or reduce hours to care for their child
- Future lost earnings if the child’s condition limits their ability to work as an adult
Pain and Suffering
- Emotional trauma for the child and family
- Loss of quality of life due to severe medical complications
Punitive Damages
- Additional compensation in cases of gross negligence or corporate misconduct
A San Diego birth defect lawyer can help maximize your compensation to ensure your child receives the best possible medical care and support.
How a San Diego Heart Defects Lawyer Can Help
Filing a congenital heart defect lawsuit requires medical evidence, expert testimony, and strong legal representation. A San Diego birth injury lawyer can:
- Review medical records to determine if prenatal negligence occurred.
- Consult with top pediatric cardiologists to assess the cause of the defect.
- Gather evidence against drug manufacturers or polluters if exposure played a role.
- Negotiate settlements with insurance companies or take the case to trial if necessary.
If your child was born with a severe heart defect, an attorney can help you seek justice and financial support for your family’s future.
Statute of Limitations for Birth Defect Lawsuits in California
In California, families have a limited amount of time to file a birth defect lawsuit:
- Medical malpractice claims – Must be filed within one year of discovering the defect or three years from the date of birth.
- Product liability claims (defective drugs or chemicals) – Must be filed within two years of discovery.
- Toxic exposure claims – Deadlines vary based on the exposure source.
Since these cases require extensive medical and legal investigation, it is crucial to contact a San Diego birth injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Why Choose The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock?
At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, we have decades of experience representing families affected by severe birth defects and medical negligence. We offer:
- Personalized legal support for parents navigating complex medical cases.
- Aggressive legal representation against negligent doctors, pharmaceutical companies, and corporations.
- Proven results in securing multi-million-dollar settlements for birth injury victims.
Contact a San Diego Heart Defects Lawyer Today
If your child was born with a congenital heart defect due to medical malpractice, toxic exposure, or pharmaceutical negligence, you may have the right to seek financial compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the resources your child needs for a healthy future.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Congenital Heart Defects and Prevention Strategies. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov
- American Heart Association. (2024). Understanding Congenital Heart Defects in Newborns. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Pharmaceutical Drugs Linked to Birth Defects. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov