The 10 Most Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These birth defects can impact the lives of those affected for a lifetime.

Different ways in which cases are classified and identified could lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect may have long-term health effects. Birth defects are often the result of an error in medical care or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other cases they could be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may also be caused by 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 disorders that run in families. They can be detected with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known reason and are classified as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic diseases may consider seeing a genetic counselor before trying to get pregnant. This can aid them in determining if further tests are required. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body and can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible such as cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities while others are less conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests, which are designed to detect certain health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be identified by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.

It isn't always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently involved. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating air and water in communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth Defect attorney birth defects arise due to a medical professional failing to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat an existing medical condition. In these instances, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

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

The most frequent issues are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes in a person’s cells. These are typically passed down from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart issues. These are typically caused by problems with the development of the baby's body organs, especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later in life when symptoms begin to appear. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take genetic tests for birth defects to determine whether they are susceptible to a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some birth defect attorneys defects result from complications that occur during pregnancy, whereas other can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Some birth defects can also be due to chemicals that are 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 advances in medicine birth injuries and defects remain an unfortunate fact. Thankfully most 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 professionals. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of highly skilled Birth Defect Attorney defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take great pride in the quality of service we provide our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you obtain compensation for any damages, including future and past medical expenses, lost income, punitive damages in certain instances, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them onto the market, and inform consumers about any potential side effects. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you could bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defects drug lawyer.