The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a 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.

The way that 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 assessment, including medical record abstraction and a clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with a defect, injury or other it could cause serious health problems for the child's life. Birth defects can be caused by medical negligence or a mistake of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be avoided by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In other instances they could result from environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy such as the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac, or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These can be diagnosed with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Certain birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.

Women who are over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illnesses might want to talk to a genetic counselor before trying to get pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they should undergo further tests. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or in early childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious like cleft lips, craniofacial anomalies or palates however others are more 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 through newborn screening tests, which check for specific health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It may not always be possible to know what caused a birth defect, however it is typically linked to environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or non-prescription medications, chemical substances that can contaminate the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes birth defects may be due to a physician failing to take appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical disease. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect vary depending on the severity and type of birth defect. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention following the birth of the baby.

Most of the most prevalent problems are the chromosomal. They are caused by extra or missing genes in the cells of a person. These are often inherited from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart problems. These birth defects are caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs particularly in the initial three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They are also able to be done later on in life when symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular disease.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some birth defects result from complications that can occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defect lawyer defects may be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. These include 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 medicine, birth defects as well as injuries remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases of wrongful birth. We are a plaintiffs-only company and take pride in the level of service that we provide to our clients. We'll 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, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible outcome.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly prior to releasing them onto the market and birth to warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.