The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects can affect the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

The way that cases are identified and classified can lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with a defect or injury it could have serious health effects on the child's future. Birth defects are often the result of an error in medical care or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects is prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In certain instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, such as the uterine restriction, rupture of the amniotic sac or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects result from genetic diseases that run in families. These can be identified with a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these diseases are treatable or preventable by a doctor, for example PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects aren't known to have a cause. They are known as congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to have a baby. This can help couples decide whether they should undergo additional testing. Newborn screening tests are able to identify certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part and can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defect attorney defects are noticeable like cleft lips or palates or craniofacial anomalies and others are not as conspicuous 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 diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for specific health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be diagnosed by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.

It may not always be possible to know what caused a birth defect, however it is typically linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or the birth. Other times birth defects may be the result of a doctor not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical health condition. In these situations the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been recognized, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Certain defects can be corrected prior to the baby is born while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the baby is born.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found, neural tube defects, and heart problems. They are typically 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 done during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later on in life, when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be done through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Certain birth defects result from complications that occur during pregnancy, while other can be traced to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are related to chemicals that are present in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine, Birth Defect attorney injuries and defects remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we are proud on the excellent service we offer to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, you, and your family.

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

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market, and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a drug, you may make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.