The Next Big Thing In 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 attorneys defect. These birth defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of those affected.
Different ways in which cases are identified and classified can lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction and a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
If the baby is born with a defect or injury it can cause serious health issues for the child's future. Birth defects are usually the result of an error in medical care or a mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.
In certain cases, birth defects can be avoided with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In certain instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy, including the uterine limit, rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).
Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases that run in families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound test or a blood test. Some of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.
Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with the same genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to conceive. This can aid them in determining if further testing is necessary. Newborn screening tests are able to identify certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that can be treated immediately.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function, or the structure of the individual. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born, or even during early childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial disorders, while others are less conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).
Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests, which are designed to detect certain health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. 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's not always possible to determine the cause of birth defects, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription or non-prescription drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities or a problem during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result of a doctor failing to take appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical health condition. In these cases there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.
Treatment
When a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the defect. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention following the birth of the baby.
The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal. caused by missing or extra genes in a person's cells. These are typically passed down from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. These birth defects are caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to appear. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo a genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are susceptible to a specific condition.
Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, whereas others can be traced to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are also due to chemicals that can be found in the surrounding environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Fortunately most birth defects are preventable. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate will help you understand the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.
Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience dealing with cases of birth defects that are not correct. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we are proud on the high level of service we offer our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on your child and your entire family.
We can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages including past and future medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.
Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing their products to the public, and they must inform customers about any possible side negative effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.