5 Laws Anyone Working In Birth Defect Attorneys Should Be Aware Of

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth defect lawyers process. These defects can affect the lives of those affected for a lifetime.

Different ways in which cases are classified and identified can lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects are often the result of a medical mistake or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In other instances, they can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth problems can be caused by complications in pregnancy, such as uterine constriction, rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that are passed down through families. These can be detected by an ultrasound test or a blood test. Some of these ailments can be prevented or treated, such as PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are called congenital conditions, or congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illnesses might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they should undergo additional tests. Newborn screening tests can identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

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 spot 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 craniofacial anomalies or palates, while others are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected by newborn screening tests that look for specific health problems. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and birth defect lawyers sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Some birth defect lawsuits defects can be diagnosed by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the condition.

It's not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However the environment is often involved. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating air and water in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or during delivery. Other times birth defects could be caused by a doctor not taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these cases it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the problem. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

A few of the most common issues are chromosomal. They are caused by extra or missing genes within cells of a person. They are usually passed down from parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart problems. They are usually caused by issues during the growth of the baby's organs, particularly during 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 by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Certain birth defects result from complications that happen during pregnancy, while others can be linked to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy could lead to birth defects. Some birth defects can also be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child that has a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to speak to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we pride ourselves on the excellent service we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages, including past and future medical costs as well as lost income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing their products to the market, and inform customers about any possible side 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.