The 10 Most 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 lasting effect on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and types of cases may result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of a doctor during pregnancy.

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

Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be detected with a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these ailments are treatable or preventable like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Certain birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are referred to as congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases might want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to conceive. This will help them determine if further testing is necessary. Newborn screening tests can identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body and can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be detected by a healthcare professional during pregnancy, before birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips or craniofacial abnormalities and others are not as noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be detected through newborn screening tests that look for some kinds of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be detected by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.

It's not always certain what caused a birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This may include 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. Other times birth defect lawsuits defects may be caused by a doctor not taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat a recognized medical health condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options vary depending 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 after the baby is born.

The most frequent defects are chromosomal. These are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes within cells of a person. They are typically passed down from parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. They are usually caused by problems during the development of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life if symptoms start to appear. These tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an inherited test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some are caused by complications that happen during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Certain birth defects may be linked to chemicals found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medical technology, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice, and we take pride on the exceptional service we provide to 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 any damages, including past and future medical costs and lost income, as well as punitive damages in certain instances, and Birth Defect emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and then work to achieve the best result for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to adequately test their products before putting them on the market and to warn consumers of potential side effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.