The 10 Most Scariest 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 defects can affect the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.
Variations in the way cases are identified and classified could lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system includes active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
When the baby is born with a defect or injury it can cause serious health problems for the child's life. Birth defects are often caused by medical error or mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.
In some cases birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other cases, they can be the result of environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can result from complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture the sac of amniotic fluid or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.
Some birth defects result from genetic diseases that run in families. These are easily detected with the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Some of these illnesses, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Some birth defect law firm defects are not known to be the cause. They are called congenital disorders, also known as congenital anomalies.
Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic disorders may want to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to conceive. This can help couples decide whether they'll need further testing. Screening tests for newborns can help identify some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that 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 impact organ function or the structure of a person. Birth defects can be detected by a healthcare professional during the pregnancy process, at birth, or in early childhood. Some birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial defects, are visible. Others, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports the bile to the liver).
Many birth defect conditions are detected through newborn screening tests that check for certain types of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the condition.
It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, however it is typically linked to environmental factors. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor did not make the necessary steps to prevent or treat an existing medical condition. In these situations the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.
Treatment
Treatment options for a suspected birth defect are based on the severity and type of birth defect. Certain defects can be corrected prior to the baby is born while others may require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth of the child.
The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically inherited from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These birth defects are caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs especially in the first three month of pregnancy.
Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They may also be conducted later on in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have a genetic test for birth defects in order to determine if they are predisposed to a certain condition.
Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some birth defects are caused by complications that can occur during pregnancy, while others can be linked to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides and herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite the recent advancements in medicine birth injuries and defects continue to be a tragic fact. Fortunately many birth defects are preventable. If you have a child suffering from an issue with their birth that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to talk to an skilled lawyer as soon as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for your family's losses and expenses.
Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling wrongful birth cases. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take great pride in the level of service that we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.
We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, including the future and past medical costs loss of income, punitive damages in certain instances as well as emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and will work tirelessly to ensure the best outcome for your family.
Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them onto the market, and warn consumers about any potential side consequences. If, however, your child's birth defect was caused by a drug, you could make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.