The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These birth defects can impact the lives of those who are affected for a lifetime.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified can result in either under or over-ascertaining certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can cause long-term health issues. Birth defects are usually the result of a medical mistake or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented through the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In some instances birth defects may be caused through environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac or the lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be identified by the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Certain illnesses can be treated or prevented by a doctor, for example PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic illnesses might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This can help them determine if additional testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns can be used to detect certain conditions like critical congenital defects and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body and can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial defects, are apparent. Others are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile to the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be identified through newborn screening tests which look for a variety of health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can easily be identified by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the condition.

It's not always certain what caused the birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a doctor did not take the proper steps to treat or prevent the occurrence of a medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect vary depending on the severity and type. Some of them can be fixed before a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth of the child.

The most frequent defects are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes within cells of a person. They are typically inherited from parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found, neural tube defects, and heart problems. These are typically caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a child is born or later in life when the first signs begin to appear. The tests can be carried out via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person can also have an inherited test for birth defect attorney defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a particular condition.

It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some are caused by issues that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. Birth defects may be caused by use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical technology, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may be the result of the negligence of medical experts. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you comprehend your legal options and pursue compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling the claims of wrongful birth defect attorneys. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice, and we take pride on the excellent service we offer to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for damages such as future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them to the market, and inform customers about any possible side negative effects. If, however your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may be able to make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defects drug lawyer.