The 10 Most Terrifying 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 could have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified can lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction and a clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can cause long-term health issues. Birth defects can be caused by medical errors or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In other instances they could be caused by environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses which run in families. These are easily identified through the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects aren't known to have a cause. They are called congenital disorders or congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of developing birth defects. Couples with the same genetic disorders may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to conceive. This will help them determine if additional testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborns can help identify some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function or the structure of a person. Birth defects can be identified by a doctor during pregnancy, during birth or in early childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders and others are not as evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests that look for specific health problems. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It isn't always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However the environment is often involved. This could include exposure to prescription or birth defect over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate water and air in communities, or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes birth defects could be due to a physician not taking appropriate steps to stop or treat a recognizable medical health condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

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

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, resulting from missing or extra genes in a person's cells. These are usually inherited from parents. These include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart issues. These defects are caused due to problems with the development of organs in the baby, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They can also be performed later on in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds and blood tests. A person can have a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are caused by complications that happen during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Some birth defects can be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science birth injuries and defects are a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child with a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is essential to consult an experienced lawyer as quickly as possible. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can assist you in understanding your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling wrongful birth cases. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and are proud of the level of service that we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages including past and future medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family gets the best possible result.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to test their products thoroughly before putting them on the market and to warn consumers of the potential adverse effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, you can start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect lawyer.