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

Differences in how cases are identified and classified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could have long-term health consequences. Birth defects are often caused by a medical mistake or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In other cases they could be caused by environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that happen during pregnancy such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be detected with a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases can be treated or prevented, such as PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects aren't recognized to be the cause. They are called congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illnesses might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they'll need further tests. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, which are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect organ function or the structure of the individual. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or in early childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial disorders however others are more conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into 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 detect certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can easily be identified by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It isn't always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently involved. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor did not 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 discovered, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the defect. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

Most of the most prevalent problems are the chromosomal. They are caused by missing or extra genes that are present in cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. These include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart issues. These defects are caused due to issues with the development of the baby's organs particularly in the initial three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later in life when the first signs begin to show. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are caused by issues that occur during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides such as Agent Orange, birth defect which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects remain an unfortunate fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical experts. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can assist you in understanding your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has many years of experience dealing with cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice and we are proud on the quality of service we provide to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in obtaining compensation for any damages, including future and past medical expenses as well as lost income, punitive damage in some cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers are expected to thoroughly test their products before putting them on market and to warn consumers of potential side effects. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may start a lawsuit based on product liability with the help of a birth defects drug lawyer.