The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

birth defect lawsuit Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and a half minutes, one 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.

Different ways in which cases are classified and identified could lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system will include active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and a clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with an injury or defect it could have serious health effects on the child's future. Birth defects can be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other cases they may result from environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, such as the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac or the lack of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known cause and are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to have a baby. This can help couples determine if they need to undergo further testing. Screening tests for newborns can be used to detect certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be spotted by a doctor during pregnancy, at birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities, while others are less conspicuous 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 detected through newborn screening tests that check for a variety of health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It's not always easy to determine the root of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often implicated. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes birth defects may be due to a physician not taking the proper steps to stop or treat a recognizable medical problem. In these instances medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

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

Some of the most common disorders are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from the parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart issues. These are typically caused by problems during the development of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life if signs start to appear. These tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Certain birth defects result from complications that can occur during pregnancy, whereas others can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may cause birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by certain chemicals that are found in the natural environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medical technology, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Fortunately, many birth defects are preventable. If you have a child with a birth defect that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is crucial to consult an expert lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the excellent service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for your losses, which could include past and future medical costs and lost income, as well as punitive damages in certain instances, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible result.

Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them onto the public, and they must inform customers about any possible side consequences. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a drug, you can start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.