Birth Defect Attorneys: It s Not As Difficult As You Think

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These birth defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of the affected.

The way that cases are classified and identified can lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If a baby is born with a defect or injury it can have serious health consequences for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects are usually caused by an error in medical care or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be avoided by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In some instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy like the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects result from genetic diseases which run in families. These can be diagnosed with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these ailments, such as PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Other birth defects have no known cause and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women over 30 and are of certain ethnicities have a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases may wish to speak with a genetic counselor birth defects before attempting to get pregnant. This will help them determine if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that 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 a person. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible such as cleft lips and palates or craniofacial anomalies and others are not as noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for certain health issues. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of birth defects, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Other times, birth defects are due to a physician failing to take appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical disease. In these cases it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect can vary based on its severity and type. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby's birth.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. due to missing or birth defects additional genes that are present in the cells of a person. They usually come from parents. Structural birth defect law firm defects include things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart issues. These birth defects are caused by issues with the development of organs in the baby especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later in life when symptoms begin to show. The tests can be carried out via ultrasounds and blood tests. The patient can also undergo an inherited test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a particular ailment.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Certain birth defects result from complications that happen during pregnancy, while other are linked to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are also due to chemicals that can be found in the surrounding 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 and injuries are still a devastating reality. Thankfully, many birth defects are preventable. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical experts. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice attorney will help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the exceptional service we offer to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, you, and your family.

We can assist you in seeking damages, which include future and past medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and then work to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Drug makers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them onto the market, and also warn consumers about any potential side effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.