The 10 Most Scariest Things About 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. These birth defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.
Variations in the way cases are identified and classified can result in the over- or under-ascertainment certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
If a baby is born with an injury or defect it could cause serious health issues for the child for life. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of a doctor during pregnancy.
In some instances birth defects can be prevented by the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In some instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can result from complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus, rupture the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack of oxygen in the foetus.
Some birth defects result from genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily identified through tests for blood or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases can be treated or prevented, such as PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.
Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to get pregnant. This will help them determine if further testing is required. Screening tests for newborns are able to determine certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that could be treated immediately.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function or the structure of a person. Birth defects can be spotted by a medical professional during pregnancy, at birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable like cleft lips or palates, or craniofacial disorders however others are more conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).
Many birth defect-related conditions can be identified through newborn screening tests which look for a variety of health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the type of defect.
It's not always possible to know what caused a birth defect, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute air and water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are caused by a doctor not taking the proper steps to avoid or treat a medical health condition. In these cases, 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 problem. Some defects can be addressed before the birth of a baby, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.
Most of the most prevalent disorders are chromosomal. They are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes in the cells of a person. They are usually passed down from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These are typically caused by problems during the development of the baby's organs, specifically during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects can be performed during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later in life when the first signs begin to appear. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo a genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a particular ailment.
It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Certain birth defects result from complications that occur during pregnancy, while other can be traced to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be related to chemicals that can be found in the environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite the latest advances in medicine birth injuries and defects persist as a tragic fact. Thankfully most birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect lawsuits defect could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can assist you in understanding your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.
Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling wrongful birth claims. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we are proud on the exceptional service we offer our clients. We'll help you get rid of the burden so that you can focus on your child, you and your family.
We can assist you in pursuing damages, which include past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in some instances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible result.
Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and warn consumers of any possible side effects. If, however, your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you could file a product liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.