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 an anomaly in the birth process. These birth defects can impact the lives of those affected for a lifetime.

Different classifications and identifications of cases may result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health effects. Birth defects are usually the result of an error in medicine or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In some cases birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a lack oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that run in families. These are easily detected with a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are known as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women who are over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to get pregnant. This will help couples determine if they need to undergo additional tests. Newborn screening tests can identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body which affects the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or during early childhood. Some birth defect Attorneys defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial irregularities are easily visible. Others are not as obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct, which transports an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defects are detected by newborn screening tests, which check for specific health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It is not always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually involved. This may include exposure to prescription or non-prescription medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water of communities or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor did not take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these cases there is a possibility that a claim for birth defect Attorneys medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been recognized, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the condition. Some of them can be fixed before the birth of a baby, while others might require surgery or other medical interventions 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. These are usually inherited from the parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart problems. These are usually caused by issues during the development of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be done later in life if symptoms start to appear. The tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular disease.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, whereas other are linked to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could result in birth defects. Some birth defects are also related to chemicals that can be found in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance 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. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child that has an issue with their birth that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is essential to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can assist you in understanding the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take great pride in the quality of service we provide to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in obtaining compensation for damages, such as the future and past medical costs and lost income, as well as punitive damage in some cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and work hard to achieve the best result for your family.

Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them to the market, and also warn customers about any possible side negative effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.