The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and identifications of cases may result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects are often the result of an error in medicine or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other instances they could be the result of environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can result from complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus or rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.

Some birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that run in families. These are easily identified through tests for blood or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases are treatable or preventable by a doctor, for example PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects have no known reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases might want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to conceive. This can help couples determine if they need to undergo further tests. Screening tests for newborns are able to identify certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body and can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defect law firm defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defect lawsuit defects are visible such as cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be detected through newborn screening tests that check for a variety of health problems. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to identify genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It's not always possible to know what caused a birth defect, however it is typically linked to environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, Birth Defect chemical substances that are contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor failed to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these instances the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect differ based on the severity and nature of the defect. Some defects can be addressed before the baby is born while others might require surgery or other medical procedures following the birth of the child.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person's cells. These are usually inherited from parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart problems. They are usually caused by issues during the growth of the baby's body organs, especially in 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 on in life when symptoms start to show. The tests can be conducted via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo a genetic test for birth defects to determine whether they are susceptible to a particular condition.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, whereas other can be linked to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may 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 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth injuries and defects remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we are proud on the high level of service we offer to our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, you and your family.

We can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages including future and past medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances, and Birth Defect emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.

Drug makers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and also warn consumers about any potential side negative effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect lawyer.