The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

The way that cases are identified and classified could lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health effects. Birth defects can be caused by a medical error or negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In some instances birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily identified through tests for blood or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses are treatable or preventable by a doctor, for example PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and cleft palate. Some birth defects are not identified as a cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and are of certain ethnicities have a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic illness might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This can help couples decide if they need to undergo additional tests. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that are treatable immediately.

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. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, like palates, lips, or craniofacial abnormalities, are obvious. Other birth defects, however, aren't as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified through newborn screening tests, which are designed to detect certain health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, however it is typically linked to environmental factors. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water of communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor failed to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the problem. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention after the baby's birth.

The most frequent disorders are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes within cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. These defects are caused by problems with the organ development of the baby especially in the first three month 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 can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an inherited test for birth defects to see whether they are susceptible to a particular ailment.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are caused by complications that happen during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to certain environmental elements. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy could result in birth defects. Some birth defects can also be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and Birth Defect 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Thankfully the majority of birth defects are preventable. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate will help you understand the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take pride in the quality of service we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

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

Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and inform consumers about any potential side effects. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may be able to start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.