The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These birth defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and identifications of cases may result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction and clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect may have long-term health consequences. Birth defects can be caused by medical negligence or a mistake of the doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defect can be prevented by taking care of your baby and eating well. In other cases they may be the result of environmental factors such as exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can result from complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that are passed down through families. These can be identified with a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects are not recognized to be the cause. They are known as congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.

Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are more at risk of chance of developing birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to conceive. This can help them determine if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be detected by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, during birth or in the early stages of childhood. Certain birth defects, such as palates, lips, or craniofacial abnormalities, are apparent. Others, however, aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected by newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose certain birth defect Attorneys defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It's not always easy to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually implicated. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a physician failed to take the proper steps to prevent or treat an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these instances, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is identified, the options for treatment differ depending on the nature and severity of the problem. Some defects can be addressed before the birth of a baby, while others might require surgery or other medical procedures following the birth of the child.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, resultant from the absence of or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They usually come from the parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused due to problems with the development of the baby's organs particularly in the initial three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life if symptoms begin to show. These tests can be carried out via ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take genetic tests for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a certain 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. Birth defects can be caused by the use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be attributed to chemicals that are present 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 the latest advances in medicine birth injuries and defects persist as an unsettling fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you comprehend your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling 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 seek compensation for your losses, which could include future and past medical expenses loss of income, punitive damages in certain instances and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible result.

Drug manufacturers are expected to thoroughly test their products before putting them on the market, and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If, however, your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you could file a product liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect law firm defect drug lawyer.