The 10 Scariest 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 effect on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and types of cases can result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with a defect or injury it could cause serious health issues for the child for life. Birth defects are usually caused by a medical mistake or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented through taking care of your baby and eating well. In other instances, they can result from environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may be the result of complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a lack of oxygen in the fetus.

Certain 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. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Some birth defects are not recognized to be the cause. They are known as congenital disorders or congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and of certain ethnicities have a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor Birth defect before attempting to have a baby. This can help couples decide whether they'll need further testing. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function, or the structure of a person. Birth defects can be detected by a medical professional during pregnancy, during birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, craniofacial abnormalities while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for certain types of 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 detect genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defect law firms defects can easily be identified by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, however it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a physician failed to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these instances it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect vary depending on the severity and type. Some defects can be addressed before the birth of a baby, while others might require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.

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

Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during pregnancy, after a person is born or later in life when symptoms start to show. The tests can be conducted via ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take an genetic test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are susceptible to a specific condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, while others are linked to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy could lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are related to chemicals that can be found in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical technology, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child that has a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to talk to an skilled lawyer as soon as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the high level of service we provide 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 obtaining compensation for any damages, including the future and past medical costs as well as lost income, punitive damage in some cases and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on the market and warn consumers of the potential adverse effects. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you could start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.