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 can have a lasting effect on the lives of those affected.

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

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could have long-term health consequences. Birth defects are usually caused by medical error or medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defect can be prevented through the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In some instances birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, birth defect including constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a lack of oxygen in the fetus.

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. These can be identified with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no origin and are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and of certain ethnicities have a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic diseases might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This can help couples determine if they need to undergo additional tests. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function, or the structure of the person. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible such as cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates, while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be identified through newborn screening tests which look for a variety of health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It isn't always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually involved. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result due to a medical professional failing to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent the occurrence of a medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

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

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from the parents. Structural defects include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. These are usually caused by problems with the development of a baby's body organs, especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They can also be performed later in life if symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be carried out via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.

It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some are due to complications that happen during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine birth injuries and defects remain an unsettling fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child who has a birth defect that may be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is essential to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling cases of wrongful birth. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take pride in the quality of service we provide our clients. We will 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 such as future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and then work to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them to the market, and also warn customers about any possible side effects. If your child's birth defects resulted from a drug, you can make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.