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 lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases can result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction and clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects are often the result of a medical mistake or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In some cases, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack of oxygen in the foetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders which run in families. These are easily identified through tests for blood or an ultrasound. Certain illnesses can be prevented or treated by a doctor, for example PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects have no known origin and are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic disorders might consider consulting a genetic counselor before trying to get pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they'll need additional testing. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain conditions, birth defect like critical congenital heart 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 function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or during early childhood. Certain birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial abnormalities, are visible. Others are less obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed through newborn screening tests, which check for specific health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also looks for certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Some birth defect attorneys defects can be identified by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the type of defect.

It's not always it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over the counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the water and air in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or the birth. Other times, birth defects are the result of a doctor not taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these situations, a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been recognized, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the issue. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention following the birth of the baby.

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal, birth defect caused by missing or extra genes in a person's cells. These are usually inherited from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lip or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. They are typically caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life if symptoms begin to show. These tests are conducted via ultrasounds and blood tests. The patient can also undergo an genetic test for birth defects to determine whether they are susceptible to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some are caused by complications that arise during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced to certain environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are related to chemicals that are found in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Fortunately many birth defects can be avoided. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawsuit defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with wrongful birth cases. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and are proud of the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, you and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for any damages, including future and past medical expenses loss of income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to achieve the best result for your family.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the market and to warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If your child's birth defect was caused by a drug you could file a product liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.