The 10 Scariest 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 a lifetime.

Variations in the way cases are classified and identified can result in over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and attorneys clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health consequences. Birth defects are often the result of an error in medicine or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

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

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be identified with a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases are treatable or preventable with the help of a specialist, such as PKU sickle cell disease, Attorneys and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a origin and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to conceive. This can help couples decide whether they require additional testing. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions like critical congenital defects and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function, or the structure of the person. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or during early childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious like cleft lips or craniofacial abnormalities while others are less evident, 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 through newborn screening tests which look for certain health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be certain what caused a birth defect, however it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the water and air in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes birth defects could be due to a physician not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical health condition. In these instances it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a birth defect vary depending on the severity and type of birth defect. Certain defects can be corrected prior to a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.

Some of the most common disorders are the chromosomal. They are caused by extra or missing genes within cells of a person. These are usually inherited from the parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused due to issues with the development of the baby's organs particularly in the initial three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born or later in life when the first signs begin to appear. These tests are conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have a genetic test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a certain condition.

It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some birth defects result from complications that can occur during pregnancy, whereas others can be traced to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be linked to certain 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 recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate will help you understand the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience dealing with cases of birth defects that are not correct. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek damages, which include past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages when necessary as well as emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and work diligently to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug makers are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on market and to inform consumers of the potential adverse effects. However, if your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug, you could make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.