The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can affect the lives of those affected for a lifetime.

The way that cases are classified and identified can result in over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defect attorney defects. A well-designed system includes active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can 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 through the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In other instances they may result from environmental factors such as exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth problems can be caused by complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture the amniotic sac or a lack oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects result from genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These are easily identified through the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases can be prevented or treated by a doctor, for example PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic disorders might want to consult a genetic counselor before trying to become pregnant. This will help them determine if further testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body which affects the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or during early childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable, like cleft lips and palates or craniofacial anomalies however others are more 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 look for 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 doctor can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be certain what caused a birth defect, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate air and water in communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or the birth. Other times birth defects may be due to a physician not taking the proper steps to avoid or treat a medical health condition. In these cases there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some defects can be addressed before the birth of a baby, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.

Some of the most common disorders are the chromosomal. They are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes in the cells of a person. These are often inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart problems. They are usually caused by issues with the development of a baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy or after birth. They may also be conducted later in life, if symptoms begin to show. These tests can be conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo genetic tests for birth defects to determine whether they are susceptible to a particular condition.

Preventing birth defect lawsuit defects is not always easy. Some birth defects are caused by complications that can occur during pregnancy, whereas other can be linked to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may cause birth defects. Some birth defects can be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine birth injuries and defects remain a tragic reality. Thankfully most birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child with a birth defect that may be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to speak to an experienced lawyer as soon as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice, and we take pride on the excellent service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you obtain compensation for damages, such as the future and past medical costs, lost income, punitive damage in some cases and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to adequately test their products before putting them on the market and birth defect attorney to warn consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug, you could make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defects drug lawyer.