The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can affect the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

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

Causes

If a baby is born with a defect or injury it could cause serious health issues for the child for life. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defects can be prevented by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In other instances they could be the result of environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture the amniotic sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be detected through an ultrasound test or a blood test. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women who are over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This can help couples decide whether they'll need further testing. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and attorneys certain infections, that are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect law firms defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or during early childhood. Some birth defects, like palates, lips, or craniofacial abnormalities, are apparent. Others, however, aren't as obvious as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed through newborn screening tests, that look for specific health issues. 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 detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can easily be identified by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It's not always easy to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently involved. This could include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities or a problem during pregnancy or the birth. Other times birth defects can be caused by a medical professional failing to take the appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical health condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect are based on the severity and type of birth defect. Some can be corrected before the birth of a baby, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth of the child.

Some of the most common issues are chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes in the cells of a person. They usually come from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart issues. These problems are caused by problems with the development of organs in the baby especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy, or after birth. They can also be performed later on in life when symptoms begin to manifest. The tests can be conducted via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have genetic tests for birth defects to see whether they are prone to a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Some birth defects are also due to chemicals that are found in the natural environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine birth injuries and defects continue to be a tragic reality. Thankfully most birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical experts. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling wrongful birth claims. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we pride ourselves on the excellent service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, including the future and past medical costs as well as lost income, punitive damage in some cases as well as emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market, and also warn customers about any possible side negative effects. If, however your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you could bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.