Florida Attorney Comments on Zika-Related Microcephaly

Miami, FL (Law Firm Newswire) August 19, 2016 – Pregnant women are considered to be at the highest risk from Zika infections. The mosquito-borne virus has been linked to microcephaly and other birth defects. Microcephaly can be characterized by an abnormally small head and incomplete brain development. Babies who have the defect suffer a range of health problems including seizures, intellectual disability, developmental delay, hearing loss, and problems with movement and balance.

“While the CDC and other health officials continue their investigations, pregnant women should take precautions such as avoiding travel to areas that are known to be affected by Zika,” said Debi Chalik, a prominent birth injury attorney with Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers. “Microcephaly is a serious birth defect that can reduce a baby’s life expectancy. If it occurs due to the negligence of medical personnel, the newborn’s parents may be entitled to compensation.”

While the Zika virus can cause microcephaly, the condition also occurs as the result of a birth injury either before or during delivery. Babies can suffer microcephaly if doctors fail to properly manage complications during childbirth. There is no known treatment for microcephaly, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, children who have it can undergo therapy to manage their condition.

There are a number of causes of microcephaly such as poorly managed gestational diabetes, ischemic stroke, or traumatic brain injury due to botched assisted delivery via vacuum or forceps. Another key cause is hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). HIE is a brain injury that occurs due to oxygen deprivation in the newborn’s brain.

“The medical team is responsible for constantly monitoring both the mother and infant’s conditions throughout the pregnancy and during childbirth,” said Chalik. “It is crucial for them to act quickly in order to prevent harm to the baby. Standards of care must be closely followed to decrease the chances of microcephaly and other birth injuries.”

Learn more at http://www.chaliklaw.com/. Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers 28 W Flagler St, #1000 Miami, FL 33130 Phone: (305) 944-2035

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