Andrew Olshan, a researcher at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, has a warning for dads everywhere: your job could lead to birth defects in your future children. Olshan and his team studied the work history of approximately 10,000 fathers from all over the country whose children, born between 1997 and 2004, had birth defects. Some professions linked to birth defects included fishermen, foundry workers, train operators and dentists.
While some birth defects are genetic or unavoidable, there are many potential environmental causes of birth defects, including the use of medications such as Zoloft and Paxil during pregnancy. In some cases, medical malpractice or negligence may lead to birth defects. In these cases, hospitals and health care providers may be held liable for their mistakes. Of course, your own efforts are important in preventing birth defects as well. It is essential that you limit the intake of alcohol and refrain from using any kind of narcotics during pregnancy, unless otherwise advised by your physician.
If you have a child born with birth defects, you may be entitled to recover damages from the hospital and the health care workers involved. A qualified personal injury attorney who understands the law and who will fight for your rights and the rights of your child can help.