The current opioid epidemic has produced widespread and catastrophic consequences, but perhaps none are so tragic as the effects they have on innocent victims. Mothers who abuse opioids risk severe, adverse effects on their newborns, and the sudden discontinuation of these substances also poses a risk to the children. The withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies whose mothers abused these illicit drugs are called neonatal abstinence syndrome. Working to provide the best possible future for these children is often complicated and costly. If you or someone you love is caring for a newborn child in Florida who has been diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), Ligori & Ligori, Injury Lawyers may be able to help with your legal claim. We can review your circumstances and those of the child to determine if pursuing an opioid NAS birth claim would be in the best interests of you and the child.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) not only causes suffering for the child at or shortly after birth. The opioids ingested by their mothers for the duration of their pregnancy can cause serious adverse effects for the remainder of the child’s life. These often include:
- ADHD
- Behavioral issues
- Developmental issues
- Gastroschisis
- Impaired cognitive and motor skills
- Memory and perception problems
- Spina Bifida or other neural tube defects
Very often, the burden of care for these children falls on a family member, who, in most cases, is ill-prepared for the costs and demands of their care. Every instance of NAS is different and is directly impacted by the amount and duration of opioid abuse that was present during the mother’s pregnancy. Long-term medical care and other therapies will likely be required for the duration of the child’s life.
Due to the complexity of these cases, you should consult with an attorney from Ligori & Ligori as soon as possible. Every possible case will have different demands and needs, and tailoring a potential opioid NAS birth claim will require extensive medical knowledge and legal skills. In fact, these cases can even require the combined services of lawyers who practice different areas of the law. A full-service law firm like Ligori & Ligori, Injury Lawyers can provide everything needed to pursue your claim.
Who Is Liable in Florida NAS Claims?
The seemingly simple act of determining whom to sue is a complicated matter in NAS claims. In recent years, drug manufacturers have been found guilty of withholding critical information regarding the risks of opioid addiction. Physicians and medical facilities that know the risks but are still freely prescribing these drugs can bear some complicity.
Of course, these entities will be protected by large legal firms with plenty of resources at their disposal. Their primary job is to shield their clients from liability and financial harm, and they will work hard to absolve their clients from any responsibility. They are prepared to do whatever is necessary to avoid legal prosecution and acceptance of responsibility.
What is at stake is the care and well-being of an innocent child who had no choice in their circumstances. Ligori & Ligori, Injury Lawyers in Florida believes that these children and their caregivers are well worth any efforts to secure them just and fair compensation. The possible financial remuneration from an opioid NAS birth claim can provide for ongoing medical care and other needs that can help improve the victim’s quality of life.
If the opioid drug epidemic has invaded your life through a child suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome, you have every right to investigate the possibility of seeking compensation through an opioid NAS birth lawsuit. Contact our legal team at Ligori & Ligori, Injury Lawyers through one of our offices to discuss your options in a free, confidential consultation. We have offices located in Tampa, Orlando, Ocala, Lakeland and Key West, Florida.
