The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

Variations in the way cases are identified and classified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with a defect or injury it could have serious health effects on the child's future. Birth defects could be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defect can be prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In other instances they may be the result of environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxins. birth defect law firm defects can also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders which run in families. These can be identified with a blood test or ultrasound. Certain illnesses can be treated or prevented like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women who are older than 30 and of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they require further tests. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can alter organ function or the structure of the individual. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born, or in early childhood. Some birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial defects, are obvious. Others, however, aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct, which transports the bile to the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests, which are designed to detect certain health issues. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It's not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However the environment is often involved. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the air and water of communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor did not take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

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

The most frequent issues are chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes in a person’s cells. These are usually inherited from parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found or neural tube defects and heart problems. They are usually caused by issues with the development of a baby's organs, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during pregnancy, after a child is born, or birth defect later on in life when the first signs begin to show. The tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo a genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a specific condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, whereas other are linked to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Certain birth defects may be linked to chemicals 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 the latest advances in medicine birth injuries and defects continue to be a tragic reality. Fortunately many birth defects are preventable. If you have a child with an anomaly in the birth process that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's crucial to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as you can. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and pursue compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in handling wrongful birth cases. We are a plaintiffs-only company and are proud of the quality of service we provide 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 damages, such as future and past medical expenses as well as lost income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and also warn customers about any possible side negative effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.