The 10 Most Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys
Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and a half minutes, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of the affected.
The way that cases are classified and identified could lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system incorporates active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review as well as passive reporting.
Causes
When the baby is born with a defect or injury, it can have serious health consequences for the child for life. Birth defects could be caused by medical errors or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.
In certain cases birth defects can be avoided with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In other instances, they can be the result of environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, including uterine constriction, rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack oxygen to the fetus.
Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. They can be identified by an ultrasound or blood test. Certain illnesses can be prevented or treated with the help of a specialist, such as PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and cleft palate. Some birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are called congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.
Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities have a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to have a baby. This will help them determine if additional testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that can be treated right away.
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 the person. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or during early childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates and others are not as conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).
Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests, which are designed to detect certain health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the type of defect.
It's not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect (Kizkiuz.com). However, environmental factors are often involved. This could include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a physician failed to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent the occurrence of a medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a recognized birth defect vary depending on the severity and nature of the defect. Some can be corrected before the baby is born while others might require surgery or other medical procedures after the baby is born.
Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. due to missing or additional genes in a person's cells. They are typically passed down from parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart issues. These problems are caused by issues with the organ development of the baby particularly in the initial three month of pregnancy.
Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy, or after birth. They may also be conducted later on in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo a genetic test for birth defects to determine whether they are predisposed to a specific condition.
It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Certain birth defects result from complications that can occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are caused by certain chemicals that can be found in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can 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 in handling wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service we offer to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.
We can assist you in seeking compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and work diligently to ensure that your family gets the best possible outcome.
Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them to the market, and inform consumers of any possible side effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.