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 birth defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified can lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain types 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 injuries or defects could have long-term health effects. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of a doctor during pregnancy.

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

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily detected with the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Certain of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Other birth defects have no cause and are known as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women who are older than 30 and those of certain ethnicities have an increased risk for some birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic disorders may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This can help them determine if additional tests are required. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, which can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be detected by a healthcare professional during pregnancy, during birth or even in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial anomalies, are easily visible. Other birth defects, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that check for specific health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be detected by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, however it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the water and air in communities, birth defect or complications arising during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defect law firms defects occur due to a medical professional failing to take the proper steps to prevent or treat an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is identified, the options for treatment differ depending on the nature and severity of the defect. Certain 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 are typically inherited from the parents. These include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart issues. These are typically caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They may also be conducted later in life if symptoms start to appear. The tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo an inherited test for birth defects to determine whether they are susceptible to a certain condition.

It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some are due to complications that occur during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Some birth defects are also linked to certain chemicals that are present in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you comprehend the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling wrongful birth cases. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and take pride in the level of service that we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages including past and future medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the best possible outcome.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market and to warn consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If your child's birth defects resulted from a drug, you may make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.