A Productive Rant About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and identifications of cases can lead to an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects could be caused by medical errors or negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other cases they may be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, like uterine constriction, rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen in the foetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses which run in families. They can be detected through an ultrasound or blood test. Some of these ailments are treatable or preventable with the help of a specialist, such as PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects are not identified as a cause. They are referred to as congenital conditions, or congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to have a baby. This will help couples determine whether they require further testing. Newborn screening tests can identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function, or the structure of a person. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial irregularities are obvious. Other birth defects, however, aren't as obvious as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified by newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health problems. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, however it is often associated with environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the water and air in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor failed to take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent the occurrence of a medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect are based on the severity and nature of the defect. Some can be corrected before the birth of a baby, while others might require surgery or other medical procedures following the birth of the child.

A few of the most common issues are the chromosomal. They are caused by extra or missing genes in the cells of a person. They are typically inherited from the parents. Structural defects include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart issues. These defects are caused due to problems with the baby's organ development especially in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a person is born or later in life when symptoms start to appear. The tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some are due to issues that occur during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to certain environmental elements. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could lead to birth defects. Some birth defects can be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth injuries and defects remain an unsettling fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child with an issue with their birth that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to talk to an experienced lawyer as soon as you can. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in handling cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we are proud on the exceptional service we provide to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, Birth Defect Lawyers yourself, and your family.

We can assist you in obtaining compensation for damages, such as future and past medical expenses, lost income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the best possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the public, and they must inform consumers of any possible side effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you may make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.