The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and identifiers of cases could result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system 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 may cause long-term health issues. Birth defects can be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be avoided with prenatal care and defect proper nutrition. In some instances birth defects may be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus, rupture the amniotic fluid sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the fetus.

Some birth defects result from genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These can be diagnosed with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Certain illnesses can be treated or prevented by a doctor, for example PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and cleft palate. Certain birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are known as congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities are at an increased chance of developing birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to conceive. This can help them determine if additional testing is required. Screening tests for newborns can be used to determine certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part, affecting the way that organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial irregularities are apparent. Others, however, aren't as obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct, which transports bile to the liver).

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

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, however it is typically linked to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result due to a medical professional failing to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent a known medical condition. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect vary depending on the severity and nature of the defect. Some defects can be addressed before the baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the baby is born.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. resulting from missing or extra genes in a person's cells. They usually come from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart problems. These are usually caused by issues with the development of a baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be performed during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later on in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be done by ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo a genetic test for birth defects to see if they are predisposed to a certain condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defect law firms defects. Some birth defects result from complications that happen during pregnancy, while others can be traced to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy could result in birth defects. Some birth defects are due to chemicals that can be found in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine birth injuries and defects persist as a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you comprehend your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice, and we take pride on the excellent service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for your losses, which could include the future and past medical costs loss of income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to test their products thoroughly prior to releasing them onto the market and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If, however, your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you could make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.