Birth Defect Attorneys: What s New No One Is Talking About

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and a quarter minutes. These birth defects can impact the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

Different classifications and types of cases can lead to an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could have long-term health consequences. Birth defects could be caused by medical negligence or a mistake of a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In some instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that arise during pregnancy such as the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be detected by an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.

Women who are over 30 and are of certain ethnicities have a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic illnesses might consider consulting an expert in genetics prior to trying to get pregnant. This will help them determine if further testing is needed. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which affects the way organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be spotted by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, during birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial irregularities are apparent. Others are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that transports the bile to the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be detected through newborn screening tests that check for a variety of health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can easily be identified by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate water and air in communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects occur due to a medical professional failing to take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these situations there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

If a birth defect is diagnosed, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the issue. Some defects can be addressed before the birth of a baby, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures following the birth of the child.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, resulting from missing or extra genes in a person's cells. These are often inherited from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart problems. They are usually caused by problems during the development of a baby's organs, specifically during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to show. The tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some are due to issues that occur during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced to certain environmental elements. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are caused by certain chemicals that are present in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the latest advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects remain a tragic fact. Thankfully the majority of birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child that has an anomaly in the birth defect lawyer process that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can help you comprehend the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the excellent service we offer our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on your child, yourself, and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for damages including future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages when necessary as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market, and to inform consumers of possible adverse reactions. However, if your child's birth defect law firms defect was caused by a drug you may start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a birth defects drug lawyer.