The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Birth Defect Attorneys
Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.
The way that cases are identified and classified can result in either under or over-ascertaining certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
If the baby is born with a defect or injury it can have serious health consequences for the child's life. Birth defects could be caused by a medical error or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.
In some instances, birth defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In some instances birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can result from complications in pregnancy, such as uterine constriction, rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack of oxygen in the fetus.
Some birth defect Attorneys defects are the result of genetic diseases that run in families. These can be diagnosed with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known origin and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.
Women who are over 30 and those of certain ethnicities have a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This can help couples decide if they need to undergo additional tests. Newborn screening tests can identify some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which are treatable immediately.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function, or the structure of a person. Birth defects can be identified by a doctor during pregnancy, at birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, craniofacial anomalies or palates however others are more obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).
Many birth defects are diagnosed through 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 identify genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.
It's not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water of communities, or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are caused by a doctor not taking the proper steps to avoid or treat a medical problem. In these instances, a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.
Treatment
When a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the condition. Certain birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others may require medical or surgical intervention after the baby is born.
A majority of birth defects are chromosomal. due to missing or additional genes in a person's cells. These are typically passed down from parents. These include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart issues. These are usually caused by problems during the growth of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects can be done during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to appear. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take a genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a specific condition.
It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some are due to complications that happen during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Thankfully most birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect attorneys defect may be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate will help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.
Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we are proud on the excellent service we offer our clients. We'll help you get rid of the burden so that you can focus on your child and your family.
We can assist you in seeking compensation for any damages, including past and future medical costs and lost income, as well as punitive damage in some cases, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and will work tirelessly to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.
Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing their products to the market, and warn consumers about any potential side consequences. If, however, your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.