The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and a quarter minutes. These defects can alter the lives of those who are affected for the rest of their lives.

Different classifications and identifications of cases could result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can cause long-term health issues. Birth defects are usually caused by an error in medical care or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

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

Some birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound or blood test. Certain of these diseases can be treated or prevented like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Certain birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders, or birth defect attorneys congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to conceive. This will help couples determine whether they require further tests. Screening tests for newborns can reveal some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that are treatable 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. Birth defects can be detected by a healthcare professional during pregnancy, at birth or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, such as palates, lips, or craniofacial abnormalities, are visible. Others are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct, which transports bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified through newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It isn't always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often implicated. These include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the air and water of communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are caused by a doctor failing to take the appropriate measures to prevent or treat a recognized medical disease. In these instances, a claim for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect vary depending on the severity and type. Some birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention following the birth of the baby.

A few of the most common defects are chromosomal. They are caused by extra or missing genes that are present in cells of a person. They usually come from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart issues. These defects are caused by issues with the development of organs in the baby particularly in the initial three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be performed during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later in life when symptoms start to appear. The tests can be conducted via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to a particular disease.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, while other can be linked to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may result in birth defects. Some birth defects can be linked to chemicals found in the environment. This includes 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 medicine, birth injuries and defects persist as an unfortunate fact. Fortunately, many birth defects can be prevented. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a Birth Defect Attorneys defect may be the result of the negligence of medical experts. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases involving wrongful births. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and take pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages such as future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in some instances, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the highest possible result.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the public, and they must inform consumers of any possible side effects. If, however, your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug, you could file a product liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.