Birth Defect Attorneys Isn t As Tough As You Think

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 alter the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

Variations in the way cases are classified and identified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can cause long-term health issues. Birth defects can result from a medical error or negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be avoided by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In certain instances birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, including the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac, or the lack of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These are easily identified through the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these ailments can be prevented or treated like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. 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 those of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of having certain birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic disorders may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This will help them determine if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns are able to determine certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function, or the structure of a person. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips or craniofacial anomalies or palates and others are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for specific health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It's not always it possible to pinpoint the cause of the birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor failed to take the proper steps to treat or prevent an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

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

Some of the most common problems are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes within cells of a person. They are typically inherited from the parents. These include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart problems. These defects are caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later in life if symptoms start to appear. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds and blood tests. The patient can also undergo an inherited test for birth defects to determine whether they are susceptible to a particular ailment.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are caused by complications that happen during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to certain environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be linked to 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 the recent advancements in medicine, birth injuries and defects persist as a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. We are a plaintiffs-only company and take pride in the level of service that we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages, such as past and future medical costs as well as lost income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them onto the market, and inform consumers of any possible side negative effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.