The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and a quarter minutes. These defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified can result in the over- or under-ascertainment certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect may cause long-term health issues. Birth defects can be caused by medical negligence or a mistake of doctors during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defects can be avoided with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In other instances they may result from environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. birth defect law firms defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, including uterine constriction, rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen in the fetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. They can be detected with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these ailments are treatable or preventable by a doctor, for example PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Certain birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities have a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This will help them determine if further testing is required. Newborn screening tests are able to identify certain conditions, like critical congenital defects 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. Birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, before birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial irregularities are apparent. Others aren't as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified by newborn screening tests, that look for specific health problems. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It's not always it possible to pinpoint the cause of the birth defect, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor did not take the proper steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these instances it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a birth defect vary depending on the severity and type. Some can be corrected before the baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person's cells. These are typically passed down from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. These problems are caused by problems with the development of organs in the baby particularly during the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later in life, when symptoms begin to show. The tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are due to complications that arise during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are also due to chemicals that are found in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, Birth Defect attorneys injuries and defects remain an unfortunate fact. Fortunately many birth defects can be prevented. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling cases of wrongful birth. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you obtain compensation for any damages, including future and past medical expenses loss of income, punitive damage in some cases and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to thoroughly test their products before putting them on market and to warn consumers of the potential adverse effects. If your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you could make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect attorney defects lawyer for drugs.