The 10 Most Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Differences in how cases are identified and classified can lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with an injury or defect it could have serious health consequences for the child's life. Birth defects are usually caused by an error in medical care or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In other instances they could result from environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, including uterine constriction, rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack of oxygen to the fetus.

Some birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be detected by an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these ailments, such as PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Some birth defects are not identified as a cause. They are called congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of birth defects. Couples with the same genetic disorders may want to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to get pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they should undergo additional testing. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body and can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be detected by a doctor during pregnancy, at birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial irregularities are easily visible. Some, Birth Defect Attorneys however, are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct which carries the bile to the liver).

Many Birth Defect Attorneys defect-related conditions can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for a variety of health problems. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It's not always certain what caused a birth defect, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water of communities or a problem during pregnancy or the birth defect law firm. Sometimes birth defects can be the result of a doctor not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical problem. In these instances medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect can vary 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 interventions after the child is born.

A few of the most common issues are chromosomal. They are caused by extra or missing genes within cells of a person. They are typically inherited from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart issues. They are usually caused by issues during the growth of the baby's organs, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be done later in life, if symptoms start to appear. These tests can be done by ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo genetic tests for birth defects in order to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are due to complications that arise during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could cause birth defects. Certain birth defects are related to chemicals that can be found in the environment, birth defect attorneys such as herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine, birth injuries and defects are a tragic reality. Thankfully, many birth defects can be avoided. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could be due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with wrongful birth claims. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take great pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, yourself, and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for losses, including past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages, in some cases, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and work diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them to the market, and inform customers about any possible side consequences. If, however 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 help of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.