The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and a half minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can affect the lives of those who are affected for a lifetime.

Different ways in which cases are classified and identified can result in an over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. 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 be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects are usually the result of an error in medicine or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other instances they may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus, rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a lack oxygen to the fetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be identified with a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Other birth defects have no known reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This can aid them in determining if further testing is necessary. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born, or even during early childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial abnormalities, are apparent. Others, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected by newborn screening tests, which look for certain health issues. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be certain what caused a Birth Defect Attorneys defect, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor failed to take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these instances it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been recognized, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the issue. Some of them can be fixed before the baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. due to missing or additional genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from the parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused by problems with the organ development of the baby, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to appear. The tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to a particular disease.

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some are due to complications that arise during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. Birth defects are often caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are also due to 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 continue to be a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child who has an issue with their birth that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is crucial to consult an expert lawyer as soon as you can. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice attorney will help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling cases of wrongful birth. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and are proud of the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers are expected to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on market, and to inform consumers of the potential adverse 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.