The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and a quarter minutes. These birth defects can impact the lives of those affected for a lifetime.

The way that cases are classified and identified can result in the over- or under-ascertainment certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health effects. Birth defects can 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 cases, birth defects can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture amniotic fluid's sac or a lack of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects result from genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound test or a blood test. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known cause and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illnesses may consider seeing an expert in genetics prior birth Defect Attorney to trying to get pregnant. This can help them determine if further tests are required. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body, affecting the way that organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, at birth defect attorney or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial anomalies, are apparent. Some, however, aren't as obvious as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be identified through newborn screening tests that look for some kinds of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to identify genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It's not always certain what caused a birth defect, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or birth defect attorney. Other times, birth defects are due to a physician failing to take appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical disease. In these instances there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect differ based on the severity and nature of the defect. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby's birth.

A few of the most common defects are the chromosomal. These are caused by extra or missing genes in a person’s cells. They usually come from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. They are typically caused by problems with the growth of the baby's body organs, especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be done 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.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are due to complications that arise during pregnancy, while others can be traced to certain environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are due to chemicals that are found in the environment, such as 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 injuries and defects persist as an unsettling fact. Thankfully many birth defects are preventable. If you have a child who has a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's essential to consult an expert lawyer as soon as possible. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and pursue compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and are proud of the quality of service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for damages such as past and future medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages when necessary, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the highest possible result.

Drug manufacturers are expected to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on market, and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If your child's birth defects resulted from a drug, you may file a product-liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.