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 lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases could result in an over- or underestimated 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

If a baby is born with a defect or injury, it can cause serious health issues for the child for life. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defect can be prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In certain instances birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus or rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the fetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be diagnosed with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or birth defect prevented. Other birth defects are not known to have a reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities have a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to have a baby. This will help them determine if further testing is necessary. Newborn screening tests can identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be detected by a doctor during the pregnancy process, at birth, or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial defects, are visible. Others aren't as obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and birth Defect biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be identified through newborn screening tests that check for certain types of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to identify genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It is not always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually implicated. This could include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects occur because a doctor failed to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent the occurrence of a medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been diagnosed, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some can be corrected before the baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical procedures following the birth of the child.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. caused by missing or extra genes in a person's cells. These are usually inherited from parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found and neural tube defects and heart problems. These problems are caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs particularly during the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to show. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds and blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some are caused by complications that happen during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by certain chemicals that can be found in the environment, such as herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a devastating reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect lawsuit defect could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding 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 dealing with the claims of wrongful birth. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service 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 help you pursue damages, which include future and past medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in some instances, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible result.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the market and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you can start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.