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

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases can result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with a defect or injury it can cause serious health problems for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects are usually the result of a medical mistake or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects is prevented by taking care of your baby and eating well. In some cases birth defects can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac, or the lack of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. These can be diagnosed with a blood test or ultrasound. Certain illnesses can be treated or prevented by a doctor, for example PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no origin and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to conceive. This can help them determine if additional testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect organ function or the structure of the person. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial disorders, while others are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are detected by newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health issues. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It isn't always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However the environment is often implicated. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the water and air in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a physician failed to take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect differ based on its severity and type. Some of them can be fixed before the baby is born while others might require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.

Some of the most common problems are chromosomal. They are caused by missing or extra genes in a person’s cells. These are usually inherited from parents. These include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. These are typically caused by problems during the development of a baby's body organs, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during pregnancy, defect after a child is born, or later in life when symptoms begin to appear. The tests can be conducted via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, whereas other can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may result in birth defects. Some birth defects can be linked to chemicals found in the environment. This includes pesticides as well as herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Fortunately the majority of birth defects are preventable. If you have a child who has an anomaly in the birth process that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to talk to an experienced lawyer as quickly as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate will help you understand the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice, and we take pride on the quality of service we offer to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages including past and future medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages when necessary and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and work diligently to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on market and warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If your child's birth defect was caused by a drug, you could file a product liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defects drug lawyer.