The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and a half minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These birth defects can impact the lives of those who are affected for a lifetime.

Different classifications and identifications of cases can lead to an under- or overestimated number 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 be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects are often the result of medical error or negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other instances, they can result from environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, including the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac, or the lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that are passed down through families. These are easily identified through tests for blood or an ultrasound. Certain illnesses can be prevented or treated by a doctor, for example PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are known as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities have a higher chance of developing birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illness might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This will help them determine if additional testing is required. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part, affecting the way that organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial defects, are apparent. Other birth defects, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries the bile to the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for specific health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A doctor can detect certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It is not always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However the environment is often associated with. These include exposure to prescription or over the counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the water and air in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or the birth. Other times, birth defects are caused by a doctor failing to take appropriate measures to stop or treat a recognizable medical health condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been recognized, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the issue. Certain defects can be corrected prior to a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal. due to missing or additional genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from the parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart issues. These problems are caused by issues with the development of organs in the baby especially in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be performed during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to show. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for Birth Defect Attorneys defects to determine if they are predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are caused by complications that occur during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Certain birth defects could be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in settling the claims of wrongful birth. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the high level of service we offer to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages, including future and past medical expenses and lost income, as well as punitive damage in some cases and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible outcome.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market and warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may be able to make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.