The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is actively handling gastroschisis lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant while pregnant and your child has gastroschisis, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and our law firm can help.
Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has stated, “Our law firm has represented thousands of victims in pharmaceutical side effect and recall cases, however being a father of four, this particular litigation [antidepressant-induced birth defects] really strikes home. We are actively representing the children and families affected by the manufacturer’s inability to warn the mothers of the potential for congenital birth defects when taken during pregnancy.”
What is Gastroschisis?
Similar to an omphalocele, gastroschisis (gas-tro-ski-sis) refers to a congenital birth defect in which there is a separation in the abdominal wall. Through this defect protrudes part of the intestines which are not covered by peritoneum (the membrane that normally lines the inside of the abdomen). The opening is usually to the right of the umbilical cord, and occurs in approximately 1 out of every 5,000 births. Gastroschisis is also commonly referred to as paraomphalocele.
What Causes Gastroschisis?
The following antidepressants are linked to the development of gastroschisis in newborn babies, infants, and children if their mothers took them while pregnant:
- Paxil (Paroxetine)
- Zoloft (Sertraline)
- Celexa (Citalopram)
- Prozac (Fluoxetine)
- Lexapro (Escitalopram)
- Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
- Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
- Effexor (Venlafaxine)
Gastroschisis Repair
The goal of gastroschisis surgery is to place the organs back into the child’ s abdomen and repair the defect. This can either be performed with an immediate primary gastroschisis repair, or more commonly, a staged repair approach, depending upon the condition of the exposed bowel. The doctor will wait until the newborn is stable to do surgery (typically 7-10 days). During this time, a plastic pouch called a silo will be used to return most of the baby’s intestines and other organs into their belly.
Do I Have a Gastroschisis Lawsuit?
Our attorneys are currently accepting gastroschisis cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with gastroschisis, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug & Products Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
