New Jersey Down Syndrome Attorneys
Down Syndrome
The unexpected discovery of a genetic abnormality in a newborn child, such as Down Syndrome, can be upsetting news to a parent. Down Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic condition which occurs when a person is born with an additional copy of chromosome 21. The extra chromosome causes a person to develop abnormally and may manifest in both physical and mental handicaps. In addition to developmental disabilities, those born with Down Syndrome are susceptible to a host of other health conditions including severe heart conditions, gastrointestinal conditions, and musculoskeletal deformities. Growth and the development of language and cognitive skills are also commonly affected.
In the United States, approximately 1 out of every 750 children is born with Down Syndrome. Pregnancies in women over the age of 35 more frequently bare children afflicted with Down Syndrome. Mothers under 35 years of age have only a 1 in 2,500 chance that their child may be born with Down Syndrome. However, mothers over 35 have a significantly increased risk of approximately a 1 in 350 chance of having a baby afflicted with Down Syndrome. This risk factor increases with age; at 45 years of age or more there is estimated to be a 1 in 25 chance of having a child with the abnormality.
During pregnancy, testing for Down Syndrome includes:
- A "quad marker screen" blood test
- Amniocentesis
- Chorionic villus sampling
Proper prenatal screening before 24 weeks gestation can reveal whether or not an unborn child is going to be afflicted with Down Syndrome. Timely prenatal diagnosis can help families make decisions with regard to the viability of the pregnancy or to prepare for the needs of their child who will be born with this debilitating condition.
If your newborn suffers from Down Syndrome, and you feel that prenatal testing was inadequate or not properly interpreted or communicated, you may be able to make claims for "wrongful birth". Our experienced NJ Down Syndrome attorneys will investigate the adequacy of the prenatal care you received at no cost to you. Due to the serious nature of these claims and the issues presented, we will only prosecute wrongful birth claims that are proven to be truly meritorious. Contact us at 973-635-5400 for a consultation.