The 10 Most Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys
Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.
The way that cases are classified and identified can lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
If the baby is born with a defect, injury or other it can have serious health effects on the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects are usually the result of an error in medical care or a mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.
In some instances birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other cases they could result from environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can result from complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack of oxygen in the foetus.
Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases which run in families. These are easily identified through the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some 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 disorders or congenital anomalies.
Women who are over 30 and those of certain ethnicities have an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic diseases might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they'll need further testing. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that can be treated immediately.
Diagnosis
A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body and can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be spotted by a doctor during pregnancy, during birth or even in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious like cleft lips or palates or craniofacial anomalies and others are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).
Many birth defect disorders can be identified by newborn screening tests that look for some kinds of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.
It may not always be certain what caused a birth defect, however it is often associated with environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute water and air in communities, or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes birth defect law firms defects could be caused by a medical professional not taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat a known medical health condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a recognized birth defect can vary based on its severity and type. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.
Some of the most common problems are chromosomal. They are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. These are usually caused by issues with the growth of the baby's organs, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests are performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They may also be conducted later in life if signs begin to show. The tests can be conducted via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an genetic test for birth defects in order to determine if they are predisposed to a particular ailment.
It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some are caused by issues that occur during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced to certain environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be linked to chemicals found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.
Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and take pride in the quality of service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.
We can assist you in obtaining compensation for damages, such as the future and past medical costs, lost income, punitive damage in some cases and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.
Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them onto the market, and also warn consumers about any possible adverse negative effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect law firm defect drug lawyer.