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 alter the lives of those who are affected for a lifetime.

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

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects could be caused by a medical error or negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defect attorneys (Full Article) defects can be prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In other instances, they can be the result of environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, like uterine constriction, rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a lack of oxygen to the foetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be identified with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Certain illnesses are treatable or preventable by a doctor, for example PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects are not identified as a cause. They are known as congenital disorders, also known as congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities have an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases might consider consulting a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help them determine if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns can help identify some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part, affecting the way that organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, such as palates, lips, or craniofacial abnormalities, are visible. Some, however, aren't as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defect lawsuit defect issues can be identified through newborn screening tests that look for some kinds of health problems. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It's not always it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes birth defects may be the result of a doctor failing to take appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical problem. In these situations the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for Birth Defects a diagnosed birth defect are based on the severity and type of birth defect. Certain birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby's birth.

Most of the most prevalent disorders are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes within cells of a person. These are often inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart issues. They are typically caused by issues during the growth of the baby's body organs, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later on in life when symptoms begin to show. The tests can be conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a particular ailment.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are due to chemicals that are found in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medical technology, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child who has an issue with their birth that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in settling wrongful birth claims. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and are proud of the level of service that we provide to our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on your child, yourself and your entire family.

We can assist you in obtaining compensation for damages, including the future and past medical costs as well as lost income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the best possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them to the market, and inform customers about any possible side negative effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you can start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.