11 Strategies To Completely Block Your Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and a half minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These birth defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

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

Causes

When the baby is born with a defect or injury it could cause serious health issues for the child's future. Birth defects are usually the result of an error in medical care or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In some cases, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy like the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac or the lack of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects result from genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be identified by a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known origin and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women who are older than 30 and those of certain ethnicities have an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illness might want to consult an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they should undergo additional tests. Screening tests for newborns can be used to identify certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, 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 alter the way organs function or the structure of a person. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips or palates or craniofacial anomalies, while others are less conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed through newborn screening tests, which check for specific health issues. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It may not always be certain what caused birth defects, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or non-prescription drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water of communities or a problem during pregnancy or delivery. Other times, birth defects are the result of a doctor failing to take appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical problem. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the issue. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention after the baby's birth.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. resulting from missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically inherited from parents. Structural birth defect lawsuits defects include things like cleft lips and birth defects neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These birth defects are caused by issues with the development of organs in the baby particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be conducted during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born or later in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have an genetic test for birth defects to determine whether they are prone to a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, whereas others can be linked to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may result in birth defects. Some birth defects are also related to chemicals that are found in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Thankfully, many birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can help you comprehend the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we pride ourselves on the exceptional service we offer to our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can focus on your child, you and your entire family.

We can assist you in pursuing damages, which include future and past medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages in certain circumstances and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on market and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If your child's birth defects resulted from a drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.