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 impact on the lives of those affected.

Different ways in which cases are classified and identified can lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects are often the result of an error in medical care or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In certain instances birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture the amniotic sac or a lack oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These can be diagnosed with a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses can be prevented or treated by a doctor, for example PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects are not recognized to be the cause. They are known as congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.

Women who are over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illnesses might consider consulting a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they require further tests. Screening tests for newborns are able to determine certain conditions, like critical congenital 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 the way organs function, or the structure of the person. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable like cleft lips or craniofacial anomalies or palates however others are more obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected through newborn screening tests which check for specific health problems. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases such as 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 certain what caused a birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects happen due to a medical professional failing to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent a known medical condition. In these situations there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a birth defect can vary based on the severity and type. Certain defects can be corrected prior to the baby is born while others might require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.

Most of the most prevalent defects are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes that are present in cells of a person. They are typically inherited from the parents. These include cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart problems. These are usually caused by issues during the development of the baby's organs, specifically in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later on in life, when symptoms begin to show. These tests are conducted via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for birth defect attorney defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular disease.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some birth defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, while other can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can be attributed to chemicals that are present 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 latest advances in medicine birth defect lawsuits injuries and defects remain a tragic fact. Thankfully the majority of 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 is essential to consult an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with wrongful birth claims. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service we offer to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages including future and past medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages in some instances, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible outcome.

Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing their products to the market, and warn customers about any possible side consequences. If, however your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug, you could start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a birth defects drug lawyer.