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 that occurs every four and quarter minutes. These defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of those affected.
Differences in how cases are identified and classified can lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review as well as passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health consequences. Birth defects can be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.
In some cases, birth defect lawsuit defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In some instances birth defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can result from complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture amniotic fluid's sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus.
Some birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be detected with a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses, such as PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no cause and are known as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.
Women who are older than 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illness might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This will help them determine if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns can be used to detect certain conditions, like 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 or after the baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defect Attorneys defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, are visible. Others aren't as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that transports bile to the liver).
Many birth defect-related conditions can be identified by newborn screening tests that look for a variety of health problems. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.
It is not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently associated with. This can include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that can contaminate the air and water of communities or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects happen due to a medical professional failing to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect can vary based on the severity and nature of the defect. Some birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention following the birth of the baby.
Some of the most common defects are chromosomal. These are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes that are present in cells of a person. They are usually passed down from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. These problems are caused by issues with the organ development of the baby particularly in the initial three month of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during pregnancy, after a child is born or later in life, when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be done by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are prone to a specific condition.
Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy may result in birth defects. Some birth defects can also be due to chemicals that are present in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite the recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Thankfully most birth defects are preventable. If you have a child with a birth defect that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is crucial to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as you can. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.
Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling the claims of wrongful birth. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and are proud of the level of service that we offer our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on yourself, your child, and your family.
We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages such as future and past medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in some instances, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and will work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.
Drug manufacturers are expected to test their products thoroughly before putting them on the market, and to inform consumers of potential side effects. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.