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 impact the lives of those affected for a lifetime.
Different ways in which cases are classified and identified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with an injury or defect could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects are often caused by an error in medical care or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.
In some cases birth defects can be prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In certain instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can result from complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus.
Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound or blood test. Certain illnesses can be prevented or treated, such as PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects aren't recognized to be the cause. They are called congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.
Women who are over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to have a baby. This will help them determine if further testing is required. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated as soon as they are identified.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can alter organ function or the structure of a person. A healthcare professional can spot Birth Defect Attorneys defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defect lawsuit defects are noticeable like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).
Many birth defects are detected through newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health problems. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can easily be identified by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the defect.
It is not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often implicated. This can be due to exposure to prescription or non-prescription medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water in communities or a problem during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor failed to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.
Treatment
When a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some defects can be addressed before the birth of a baby, while others might require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.
The most frequent problems are the chromosomal. They are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes that are present in cells of a person. They usually come from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. They are typically caused by problems during the growth 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 child is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to show. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds and blood tests. The patient can also undergo a genetic test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a particular condition.
It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some are due to complications that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to specific environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are caused by certain chemicals that can be found in the natural environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a devastating reality. Fortunately the majority of birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child who has a birth defect that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is essential to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as you can. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your family's expenses and losses.
Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in settling wrongful birth claims. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and are proud of the quality of service we provide our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, you and your entire family.
We can help you seek compensation for damages, including future and past medical expenses and lost income, as well as punitive damages in certain instances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible outcome.
Drug manufacturers are expected to thoroughly test their products before putting them on the market, and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.