Birth Defect Attorneys It s Not As Hard As You Think

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

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

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects are usually caused by a medical mistake or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In certain instances, birth defects can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects are also caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, including the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases that run in families. They can be detected through a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses can be prevented or treated by a doctor, for example PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other south williamsport birth defect law firm defects are not known to have a reason and are classified as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with the same genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This can help them determine if further testing is required. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can impact organ function or the structure of a person. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible such as cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders and others are not as noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for specific health issues. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, defects depending on the kind of defect.

It's not always certain what caused birth defects, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities or a problem during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are the result of a doctor failing to take the appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical problem. In these situations there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

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

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, due to missing or additional genes that are present in the cells of a person. They usually come from the parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to appear. These tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have an inherited test for birth defects to determine whether they are prone to a particular ailment.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Certain birth defects result from complications that arise during pregnancy, while others are linked to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Some birth defects are also related to chemicals that can be found in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Fortunately the majority of birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice and we are proud on the quality of service we offer to our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, yourself, and your family.

We can help you seek damages, which include future and past medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages when necessary, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.

Drug makers are required to test their products thoroughly prior to releasing them onto the market, and to inform consumers of potential side effects. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a drug you may make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.