10 Sites To Help You Learn To Be An Expert In Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and quarter minutes. These defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and identifications of cases can result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction 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 can be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other cases, they can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that occur during pregnancy such as the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac or the lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects result from genetic diseases that run in families. They can be detected with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain illnesses can be treated or prevented like PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Some birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are known as congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.

Women who are older than 30 and of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic disorders might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This will aid them in determining if further testing is required. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that 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 alter the way organs function, or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be spotted by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, at birth or even in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious, like cleft lips and palates or craniofacial anomalies, while others are less conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are detected through newborn screening tests, which look for certain health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of birth defects, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can include exposure to prescription or over-the counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water of communities, or lawsuits complications during pregnancy or birth. Other times, birth defects are due to a physician failing to take appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is diagnosed, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the defect. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention following the birth of the baby.

The most frequent disorders are chromosomal. They are caused by missing or excess genes in the cells of a person. They usually come from the parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These are typically caused by problems during the development of a baby's body organs, especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be done during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later in life, when symptoms begin to show. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds and blood tests. A person can have a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are due to complications that arise during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. Birth defects may be caused by use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are also caused by certain chemicals that are present 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 medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a tragic reality. Fortunately most birth defects are preventable. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling cases of wrongful birth. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take great pride in the level of service that we provide to our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, you and your entire family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for any damages, including past and future medical costs, lost income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and work hard to achieve the best result for your family.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to test their products thoroughly prior to releasing them onto the market and to inform consumers of possible adverse reactions. If, however, your child's birth defect was caused by a drug you could start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.