The History Of 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 defects can alter the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

The way that cases are classified and identified can result in the over- or under-ascertainment certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with a defect, injury or other it can have serious health effects on the child's future. Birth defects could be caused by a medical error or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be avoided with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In certain instances birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects result from genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily identified through a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illness might consider consulting a genetic counselor before trying to get pregnant. This can aid them in determining if further testing is needed. Newborn screening tests can identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part and can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects are often detected by a medical professional during pregnancy, during birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial defects, are obvious. Others, however, aren't as obvious, birth defect lawyers such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be identified by newborn screening tests that check for a variety of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It may not always be certain what caused a birth defect, however it is typically linked to environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water of communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defect law firms defects are the result because a doctor failed to take the proper steps to treat or prevent an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect vary depending on the severity and nature of the defect. Some birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person's cells. They are usually passed down from parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lips or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. They are usually caused by problems with the growth of the baby's organs, specifically during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be done during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born or later in life, when symptoms begin to appear. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to a particular disease.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are caused by complications that arise during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to specific environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be due to chemicals that are found in the natural environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine, birth injuries and defects persist as a tragic fact. Thankfully, many birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate will help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the excellent service we offer 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 pursue damages, which include past and future medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages when necessary, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research 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 market, and inform customers about any possible side consequences. If the birth defect attorney defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.