10 Inspirational Graphics About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and a quarter minutes. These defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified could lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system includes active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with a defect or injury it can cause serious health problems for the child's future. Birth defects are often caused by an error in medical care or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be avoided with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In some instances birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. birth defect lawyer defects can also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy such as uterine constraint, rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These are easily identified through the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these ailments can be prevented or treated like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects have no known cause and are known as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to have a baby. This will help them determine if additional testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborns can be used to detect certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable such as cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities and others are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect attorneys defects can be detected by newborn screening tests, which look for certain health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also looks for certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It may not always be possible to know what caused a birth defect, however it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating water and air in communities or a problem during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a physician failed to take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these instances there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect can vary based on the severity and type of birth defect. Some can be corrected before the birth of a baby, while others might require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth of the child.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, resulting from missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically inherited from the parents. These include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart problems. These are usually caused by problems with the growth of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be conducted during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later on in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds and blood tests. The patient can also undergo genetic tests for birth defects to see whether they are prone to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some are caused by complications that happen during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced to certain environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Thankfully most birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice, and we take pride on the excellent service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in obtaining compensation for damages, including future and past medical expenses and lost income, as well as punitive damages in certain instances as well as emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family gets the best possible outcome.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to test their products thoroughly before putting them on the market and to warn consumers of potential side effects. If your child's birth defect was caused by a drug, you could start a lawsuit based on product liability with the help of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.