The 10 Most Terrifying 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 could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and identifiers of cases can result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect may have long-term health effects. Birth defects are often the result of an error in medical care or a mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be avoided through the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In some cases, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that occur during pregnancy, such as uterine constraint rupture of the amniotic sac, or the lack of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects are not recognized to be the cause. They are known as congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic illnesses may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they should undergo further tests. Screening tests for birth defect newborns are able to determine certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body, affecting the way that organs work or the structure of the body. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, are visible. Some, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be identified by newborn screening tests which look for specific health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to identify genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can easily be identified by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the condition.

It's not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, however it is often associated with environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that can contaminate the air and water of communities or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a physician failed to take the proper steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these cases, a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect vary depending on the severity and type of birth defect. Some defects can be addressed before the baby is born while others may require surgery or other medical procedures following the birth of the child.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person's cells. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart problems. These defects are caused due to issues with the organ development of the baby particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be done later in life if signs begin to show. These tests are conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed towards a particular condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some are due to complications that happen during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to specific environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be caused by certain chemicals that are present in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Fortunately, many birth defects can be avoided. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could be due to the negligence of medical experts. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and are proud of the quality of service we provide our clients. We'll 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, including the future and past medical costs, lost income, punitive damage in some cases, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to adequately test their products prior to releasing them onto the market and to warn consumers of potential side effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawsuit defect lawyer.