10 Things Everybody Has To Say 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 can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and identifiers of cases can result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction and a clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects could be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be prevented through the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In other instances they may result from environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, such as uterine constriction, rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that run in families. These can be diagnosed with a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain illnesses are treatable or preventable like PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no reason and are classified as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases may want to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to get pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they should undergo additional tests. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function or the structure of the person. birth Defect law firms defects can be detected by a doctor during pregnancy, before birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips or palates, or craniofacial disorders however others are more conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for certain types of health problems. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be detected by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based 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 include exposures to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the water and air in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor failed to take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect are based on its severity and type. Some birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

Most of the most prevalent disorders are chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes that are present in cells of a person. They are usually passed down from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. These are usually caused by problems with the development of a baby's body organs, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later on in life when symptoms begin to manifest. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds and blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some birth defects result from complications that arise during pregnancy, whereas others are linked to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could result in birth defects. Some birth defects can also be linked to certain chemicals that can be found in the natural environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a devastating reality. Fortunately the majority of birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child with a birth defect that may be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is crucial to consult an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and are proud of the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages such as past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages, in some cases as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family gets the best possible result.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them to the market, and also warn consumers of any possible side negative effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.