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

Variations in the way cases are classified and identified can result in either under or over-ascertaining certain types 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

When a baby is born with a defect, injury or other it could cause serious health issues for the child's life. Birth defects can result from a medical error or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other instances, they can result from environmental factors such as exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications in pregnancy, such as uterine constriction, rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be detected through a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these ailments, 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 disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities have an increased risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can aid them in determining if further tests are required. Screening tests for newborns can be used to detect certain conditions like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can impact organ function or the structure of the individual. Birth defects can be identified by a medical professional during pregnancy, during birth or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, are apparent. Some, however, aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports the bile to the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be identified by newborn screening tests that check for specific health issues. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It is not always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However the environment is often involved. This can be due to exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute water and air in communities or a problem during pregnancy or the birth. Other times, birth defects are caused by a doctor not taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat a recognized medical problem. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a birth defect can vary based on the severity and nature of the defect. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, resulting from missing or extra genes in a person's cells. They usually come from the parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart problems. They are usually caused by issues with the development of a baby's organs, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be performed during pregnancy, after a person is born or later in life when the first signs begin to appear. The tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some birth defects result from complications that can occur during pregnancy, while other can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are due to chemicals that are found in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine, birth defect attorneys injuries and defects continue to be a tragic reality. Fortunately most birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child who has an anomaly in the birth defect lawsuit process that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's crucial to consult an skilled lawyer as soon as you can. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can assist you in understanding your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience dealing with cases of wrongful birth. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take great pride in the level of service that we provide to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, you and your entire family.

We can help you pursue compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in some instances and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and birth defect attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers are expected to thoroughly test their products before putting them on market, and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a drug, you may make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.