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 lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Differences in how cases are identified and classified can lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with a defect, injury or other it could have serious health effects on the child's future. Birth defects could be caused by medical errors or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In some instances birth defects may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy like uterine constraint, rupture of the amniotic sac or the lack of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders which run in families. These are easily identified through the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases can be prevented or treated by a doctor, for example PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects have no known cause and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of having birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to conceive. This can help couples determine whether they'll need additional testing. Newborn screening tests can identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function or the structure of a person. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial defects, are visible. Others aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports 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 as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.

It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of the birth defect, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription or non-prescription medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities or a problem during pregnancy or birth. Other times birth defects may be the result of a doctor failing to take appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical health condition. In these instances it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect differ based on the severity and nature of the defect. Some defects can be addressed before the baby is born while others might require surgery or other medical procedures after the baby is born.

The most frequent defects are chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes in a person’s cells. These are usually inherited from the parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart problems. These are usually caused by problems with the development of a baby's organs and tissues, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They can also be done later in life if symptoms start to appear. The tests can be conducted via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a particular condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defect attorney defects. Certain birth defect law firms defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, while other can be traced back to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Some birth defects can also be related to chemicals that are present in the environment, such as herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine, birth injuries and defects continue to be a tragic reality. Thankfully many birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could be the result of the negligence of medical experts. 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 the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice, and we take pride on the high level of service we offer to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for damages including future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and will work tirelessly to achieve the best result for your family.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to test their products thoroughly before putting them on market and to inform consumers of possible adverse reactions. If your child's birth defects resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.