The 10 Most Terrifying 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 birth defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of those affected.

Different classifications and identifiers of cases can lead to an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and a clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with a defect or injury it could cause serious health problems for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects are usually caused by a medical mistake or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In other instances they could result from environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a lack of oxygen in the foetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that run in families. These are easily identified through a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no origin and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and are of certain ethnicities have an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases may wish to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to have a baby. This can help couples decide whether they should undergo additional tests. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions like critical congenital defects and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function, or the structure of a person. Birth defects are often detected by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, before birth or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial anomalies, are obvious. Some, however, are not 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 defect disorders can be identified through newborn screening tests which look for some kinds of health problems. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, however it is usually linked to environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or delivery. Other times birth defects may be due to a physician failing to take the appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these instances there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect differ based on the severity and type of birth defect. Some defects can be addressed before the birth of a baby, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures after the baby is born.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, caused by missing or extra genes in a person's cells. These are usually inherited from the parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found or neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused due to problems with the development of organs in the baby especially in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy, or following birth defect attorneys. They can also be done later in life if symptoms start to appear. These tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo a genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are prone to a specific condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while others can be traced to certain environmental elements. Birth defects are often caused by the use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects could be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. This includes pesticides as well as herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child that has an issue with their birth that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's essential to consult an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the exceptional service we offer our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on yourself, your child and your entire family.

We can help you pursue damages, which include future and past medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages in certain circumstances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the highest possible result.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing their products to the market, and inform customers about 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 assistance of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.