The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and an hour, 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.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases can result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses 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 cause serious health issues for the child's future. Birth defects are often the result of medical error or negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be prevented by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In other cases they may be the result of environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that are passed down through 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 reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased chance of developing birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic disorders might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This will aid them in determining if further tests are required. Newborn screening tests are able to identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial abnormalities, are easily visible. Other birth defects, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct, which transports the bile to the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are identified by newborn screening tests that check for some kinds of health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It's not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually implicated. This may include exposure to prescription or non-prescription drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water of communities or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a doctor did not take the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

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

Most of the most prevalent disorders are chromosomal. These are caused by extra or missing genes in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. These are usually caused by problems with the growth of the baby's organs, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life if signs start to appear. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo genetic tests for birth defects in order to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are due to complications that arise during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Certain birth defects could be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. This includes pesticides as well as 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 persist as an unsettling fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can help you comprehend the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the quality of service we provide to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek damages, which include past and future medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages, in some cases and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and will work tirelessly to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the public, and they must inform consumers of any possible side effects. If your child's birth defects resulted from a drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.