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 (mouse click the next article). These birth defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases can result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case assessment, including medical record abstraction 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 can be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be avoided through the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In other cases they may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus or rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be detected by a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects are not known to have a origin and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities are at an increased risk for some birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illness might consider consulting a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they require additional testing. Screening tests for newborns are able to determine 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 part of the body, affecting the way that organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be detected by a doctor during pregnancy, during birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies while others are less obvious, 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, that look for specific health issues. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be detected by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.

It's not always possible to know what caused birth defects, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medications, chemical substances that can contaminate the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes birth defects may be caused by a medical professional failing to take appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical disease. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

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

Most of the most prevalent defects are chromosomal. They are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes in the cells of a person. They are usually passed down from parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. These defects are caused by problems with the development of organs in the baby particularly during the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They may also be conducted later in life if symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person can also have an inherited test for birth defects to see if they are predisposed to a particular ailment.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Certain birth defects result from complications that happen during pregnancy, while other can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defect attorneys defects. Certain birth defects could be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science birth injuries and defects remain an unfortunate fact. Thankfully many birth defects are preventable. If you have a child who has an issue with their birth that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to speak to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can assist you in understanding the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of experienced 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 take great pride in the level of service that we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages such as past and future medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages, Birth Defect in some cases, and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.

Drug makers are required to thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market, and to inform consumers of potential side effects. However, if your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug, you could start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.