The 10 Most Terrifying 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 a quarter minutes. These defects can alter the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

Different classifications and types of cases can result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with a defect, injury or other it could have serious health consequences for the child's future. Birth defects are usually caused by a medical mistake or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In some instances birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may be the result of complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture amniotic fluid's sac or a lack of oxygen in the foetus.

Certain birth defects result from genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be detected by a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses can be prevented or treated like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects have no known origin and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women who are older than 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities have a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic disorders might want to consult a genetic counselor before trying to become pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they'll need further testing. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function or the structure of the individual. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and palates or craniofacial anomalies, while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be detected through newborn screening tests that look for certain types of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can easily be identified by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the type of defect.

It's not always certain what caused birth defects, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or attorneys over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Other times birth defects can be caused by a doctor failing to take appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been diagnosed, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the condition. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require medical or surgical intervention after the baby's birth.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. due to missing or additional genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from the parents. These include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused by problems with the baby's organ development especially 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 manifest. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds and blood tests. A person may also undergo an inherited test for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a particular condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some are due to issues that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced to certain environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could cause birth defects. Certain birth defects could be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Thankfully most birth defects are preventable. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take great pride in the level of service that we offer our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can concentrate on yourself, your child, and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, such as the future and past medical costs, lost income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the public, and they must inform customers about any possible side effects. If, however your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may be able to make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.