The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can affect the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

Different ways in which cases are identified and classified can result in either under or over-ascertaining certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed surveillance system uses 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 can result from medical errors or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other instances, they can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, including the uterine limit, rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. They can be detected through an ultrasound or blood test. Certain of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects are not known to have a cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders, or congenital abnormalities.

Women who are over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities have a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illness might consider consulting an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help them determine if additional testing is needed. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

birth defect attorneys defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function or the structure of the individual. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born, or in early childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious, like cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities, while others are less conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified through newborn screening tests, which look for certain health issues. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, however it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water of communities, or complications during pregnancy or birth. Other times, birth defects are due to a physician failing to take the appropriate measures to stop or treat a recognizable medical condition. In these cases the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect differ based on its severity and type. Certain defects can be corrected prior to the baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures after the baby is born.

Some of the most common problems are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes that are present in cells of a person. They are usually passed down from parents. These include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused by problems with the organ development of the baby especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

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

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some birth defects are caused by complications that can occur during pregnancy, whereas others can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are caused by certain chemicals that are found in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine birth injuries and defects remain an unfortunate fact. Fortunately most birth defects are preventable. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could be due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can help you comprehend the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling wrongful birth claims. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice and we are proud on the high level of service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages including future and past medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages in some instances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and will work tirelessly to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Drug makers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the public, and they must inform customers about any possible side negative effects. However, if your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defects drug lawyer.