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 a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

Different ways in which cases are identified and classified can result in over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with an injury or defect it could cause serious health problems for the child for life. Birth defects can be caused by medical negligence or a mistake of a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In other instances they may result from environmental factors such as exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxins. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus, rupture the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be identified with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases might want to consult an expert in genetics prior to trying to get pregnant. This will aid them in determining if further testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth 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 professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, craniofacial abnormalities, while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests that look for specific health issues. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can easily be identified by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the condition.

It's not always easy to determine the root of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently involved. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute water and air in communities or a problem during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are caused by a medical professional failing to take the appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical health condition. In these instances there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been recognized, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the issue. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

A majority of Birth Defect Attorneys defects are chromosomal, due to missing or additional genes that are present in the cells of a person. They usually come from the parents. Structural defects include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs particularly in the initial three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They can also be done later in life, if symptoms start to appear. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds and blood tests. A person can have a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some are caused by complications that happen during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are related to chemicals that are found in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical science, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate will help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in settling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we are proud on the exceptional service we offer to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages such as future and past medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages when necessary and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on market and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.