A statewide study released in January has partially linked birth defects to environmental hazards near the homes of mothers. The study attempts to explain the rising number of birth defects in specific regions of Texas.

The study specifically focused on chemical plants, refineries and landfills.

The study did not solidify direct proof that environmental hazards cause birth defects, but it was noted that birth defects were higher near hazard sites.

There is another study underway to determine which hazards will potentially cause specific birth defects.

Peter Langlois authored the study, which is a follow-up to a 2006 study that showed the rate of birth defects in Nueces County, in particular, were 84 percent higher than the rest of Texas.

Langlois analyzed fifteen different birth defects by using three different statistical requirements. In order to establish a direct link between environmental hazards and birth defects, all three statistical requirements had to be met.

Several defects met two requirements, which indicate a likelihood that environmental hazards and birth defects are linked, although no defects met all three requirements.

In other studies, the proximity of the mothers home to landfills has been linked to the birth defect, gastroschisis, which causes the intestine of the baby to grow through a hole in its abdomen.

If the child of you or a loved one has suffered birth defects from exposure to a hazardous product, please contact the birth defect attorneys of Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP at 1-800-460-0606. An experienced birth defect attorney will be able to evaluate if you are eligible to seek compensation.

The use of botulinum toxin, or Botox, in order to treat limb spastically in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy has been linked with severe adverse reactions, such as respiratory failure and death.

The FDA has not approved the use of botulinum toxin to treat the effects of cerebral palsy in the United States.

The severe reactions to Botox are similar to the symptoms of botulism and seem to be related to the botulinum toxins spread throughout the body. These symptoms of botulism include weakness, breathing problems and difficulty swallowing.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting an ongoing investigation of the product. It is suggested that overdoses of Botox are a contributing factor for the adverse symptoms.

The FDA has not advised discontinuation of the product, but they have advised that those treated with Botox be aware of the symptoms of an adverse reaction.

Cerebral palsy is an injury that results during childbirth from damage to the cerebrum. If complications arise during birth, it is the responsibility of the doctor to act in a manner that will protect the child from potential long term suffering from cerebral palsy.

If proper action was not taken by a medical professional during childbirth and your child, or the child of a loved one, has suffered from cerebral palsy, contact a cerebral palsy attorney at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP at 1-800-460-0606. An experienced attorney will be able to evaluate if you are eligible to seek compensation.

Birth trauma can be thought of as trauma suffered by the mother or, more typically, injuries suffered by the baby.  Birth trauma refers to injuries sustained during the labor and delivery process.   Causes of birth trauma can be split into two categories:  first, injuries suffered from physical trauma during the birth process – know as traumatic birth injury, and second, injuries that occur as a result of lack of oxygen during birth.  The medical term for this type of injury is hypoxic-ischemic.

The two can occur on their own or together.  Sometimes, birth trauma is unavoidable.  However, many times a birth injury could have been prevented had the doctors and hospital staff noticed risk factors and taken reasonable precautions to prevent birth trauma.  In these latter cases, the affected family may be entitled by law to seek monetary compensation for lifelong care that the child will need.  These types of cases are quite complex.  Birth trauma attorneys are lawyers who have experience representing families and recovering money from insurance companies for the care of the injured child.  If your child has suffered a traumatic birth injury, it is wise to discuss your questions and concerns with the attorneys at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP.