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 lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Different ways in which cases are classified and identified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction and birth defect clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with a defect or injury, it can cause serious health issues for the child's life. Birth defects could be caused by medical negligence or a mistake of doctors during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be avoided by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In other cases they could result from environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that happen during pregnancy such as constriction of the uterus rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be detected by the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Certain of these ailments, such as PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Certain birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This will help them determine if additional testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that could be treated right away.

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 individual. Birth defects can be detected by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, at birth or in early childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips or craniofacial anomalies or palates and others are not as evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are detected through newborn screening tests, which are designed to detect certain health issues. PKU and birth defect congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also looks for certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It may not always be certain what caused a birth defect, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or non-prescription drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are caused by a medical professional failing to take the appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical condition. In these situations the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the problem. Certain defects can be corrected prior to the birth of a baby, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the baby is born.

Some of the most common defects are the chromosomal. They are caused by extra or missing genes in a person’s cells. These are often inherited from parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found, neural tube defects, and heart problems. They are typically caused by issues with the growth of the baby's organs, specifically in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo a genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are susceptible to a particular ailment.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that can occur during pregnancy, whereas other can be traced to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. This includes pesticides as well as herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Fortunately the majority of birth defect lawsuits defects are preventable. If you have a child that has an issue with their birth that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is essential to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and are proud of the quality of service we provide our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages including future and past medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to thoroughly test their products before putting them on market and to warn consumers of potential side effects. If your child's birth defects resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect lawyer.