The 10 Most Terrifying 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 effect on the lives of those affected.
Variations in the way cases are classified and identified could lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system includes active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
If a baby is born with a defect or injury it can cause serious health problems for the child's future. Birth defects are often caused by an error in medicine or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.
In some cases, birth defect can be prevented through taking care of your baby and eating well. In certain instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy such as uterine constraint rupture of the amniotic sac, or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).
Some birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that are passed down through families. They can be identified by an ultrasound test or a blood test. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no origin and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.
Women over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at an increased chance of having birth defect lawyer defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases might want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they require additional tests. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that can be treated right away.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can alter organ function or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be detected by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, at birth or even in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial anomalies, are apparent. Others are less obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries bile to the liver).
Many birth defects are detected by newborn screening tests which look for certain health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.
It's not always certain what caused a birth defect, however it is typically linked to environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute air and water in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a doctor failed to take the proper steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims can be pursued.
Treatment
If a birth defect is identified, the options for treatment differ depending on the nature and severity of the issue. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require medical or surgical intervention after the baby is born.
A few of the most common disorders are chromosomal. They are caused by extra or missing genes within cells of a person. They are typically inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart issues. These birth defects are caused by issues with the development of organs in the baby particularly during the first three month of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later on in life, when symptoms begin to appear. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed towards a particular condition.
Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while other can be traced to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could lead to birth defects. Some birth defects can be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite the recent advancements in medicine, birth injuries and defects remain an unfortunate fact. Thankfully the majority of birth defects are preventable. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer will help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.
Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with cases of wrongful birth. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take great pride in the quality of service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.
We can help you obtain compensation for damages, including past and future medical costs as well as lost income, punitive damage in some cases, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and work diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.
Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them onto the market, and also warn customers about any possible side negative effects. If, however, your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may file a product liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.