The 10 Scariest 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 impact on the lives of the affected.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified can lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with a defect, injury or other it can cause serious health issues for the child's health for the rest of their lives. birth defect lawsuit defects can result from medical errors or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In some cases, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus or rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a lack of oxygen in the fetus.

Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases that run in families. These are easily identified through the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Certain birth defects aren't known to have a cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital abnormalities.

Women who are over 30 and those of certain ethnicities have an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This can help them determine if additional tests are required. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect some 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 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 or after the baby is born, or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial defects, are visible. Others, however, are less obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile to the liver).

Many birth defects are detected through newborn screening tests, which are designed to detect certain health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It's not always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often involved. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor failed to take the proper steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been identified, the options for treatment differ based on the type and severity of the condition. Some birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

The most frequent defects are chromosomal. They are caused by missing or extra genes in a person’s cells. They usually come from parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. These are typically caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life if signs start to appear. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person can also have an inherited test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are susceptible to a particular ailment.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are due to complications that occur during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to certain environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are related to chemicals that are found in the environment, birth including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the latest advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects continue to be a tragic reality. Thankfully the majority of birth defects can be prevented. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can help you comprehend the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling wrongful birth cases. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and are proud of the quality of service we offer our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can focus on your child and your entire family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages such as past and future medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases, and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible outcome.

Drug makers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and birth also warn consumers about any potential side effects. If, however, your child's birth defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication you may be able to bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defects drug lawyer.