Birth Defect Attorneys Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

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 alter the lives of those who are affected for the rest of their lives.

The way that cases are classified and identified could lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain subtypes 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 an injury or defect could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects are usually the result of a medical mistake or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defect can be avoided through the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In some cases, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that occur during pregnancy such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These can be detected by an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these diseases can be treated or prevented like PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Some birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are older than 30 and those of certain ethnicities have an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic illness might want to talk to an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they'll need further testing. Screening tests for newborns are able to determine certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects are often detected by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, during birth or in the early stages of childhood. Certain birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial defects, are visible. Others are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be identified by newborn screening tests that check for specific health problems. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It's not always easy to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However the environment is often involved. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating air and water in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a doctor failed to take the proper steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these situations, a claim for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect differ based on the severity and nature of the defect. Certain Birth Defect Law Firms defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

Most of the most prevalent disorders are the chromosomal. These are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes that are present in cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These are usually caused by issues with the growth of the baby's organs, specifically in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a baby is born or later in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have genetic tests for birth defects in order to determine whether they are predisposed to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are caused by complications that occur during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced to certain environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy could cause birth defects. Some birth defects are also caused by certain 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 recent advancements in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries remain a tragic fact. Fortunately most birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can assist you in understanding your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the exceptional service we offer to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for any damages, including the future and past medical costs and birth defect Law firms lost income, as well as damages for punitive in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and work hard to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to test their products thoroughly before putting them on the market, and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.