The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and types of cases could result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect may be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects can result from a medical error or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In certain instances birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, like uterine constriction, rupture of the amniotic sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects result from genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily detected with a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these diseases can be prevented or treated like PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and cleft palate. Some birth defects are not identified as a cause. They are called congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.

Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of developing birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases might want to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to conceive. This will help couples determine if they need to undergo further testing. Newborn screening tests are able to determine certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body and can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be spotted by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, before birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable like cleft lips, craniofacial abnormalities however others are more evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be identified through newborn screening tests that look for a variety of health issues. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It is not always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently implicated. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are caused by a medical professional failing to take appropriate measures to prevent or treat a recognized medical disease. In these cases the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a birth defect are based on the severity and type. Some defects can be addressed before the baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical interventions after the baby is born.

The most frequent problems are chromosomal. They are caused by missing or excess genes in a person’s cells. They are usually passed down from parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. They are usually caused by issues with the growth of the baby's body organs, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later on in life when symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take a genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are susceptible to a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Certain birth defects result from complications that arise during pregnancy, while others can be linked to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Certain birth defects may be linked to chemicals found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine, birth injuries and defects continue to be an unsettling fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we are proud on the quality of service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for any damages, including past and future medical costs loss of income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases, and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them onto the public, and they must inform consumers about any possible adverse effects. However, 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.