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 defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Different ways in which cases are identified and classified can result in either under or over-ascertaining certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects are usually caused by an error in medical care or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In some instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy such as the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac, or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders which run in families. They can be detected through the use of ultrasound or defects a blood test. 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 have no origin and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having certain birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic diseases might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they require additional testing. Newborn screening tests can identify certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, which can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can affect organ function or the structure of a person. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or in early childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders and others are not as evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests which check for specific health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of birth defects, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating air and water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or the birth. Other times, birth defects are caused by a doctor failing to take appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical problem. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect differ based on the severity and type of birth defect. Some defects can be addressed before a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the baby 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 usually come from the parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart issues. These defects are caused by problems with the development of organs in the baby particularly in the initial three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a person is born or later in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo an genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Certain birth defects result from complications that happen during pregnancy, whereas others are linked to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, defects drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are also related to chemicals that are found in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Fortunately the majority of birth defects can be avoided. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects 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 your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and are proud of the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden 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, lost income, punitive damage in some cases and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the best possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers are expected to thoroughly test their products before putting them on the market and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If, however your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you could file a product liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.