The Most Pervasive Issues With Birth Defect Attorney

What Causes a Birth Defect?

The last thing a expecting parent wants to be told is that their child could be born with a deformity. These birth defects are caused by events that occur during growing up and could affect the mental or physical health of your child.

A doctor can detect birth defects during pregnancy using newborn screening or prenatal tests. Other birth defects could only be detected after the birth of your child, or after symptoms start to show.

What was the reason for your child's deformity?

The causes of many birth defect law firms defects is not known. There are a few factors which can increase the chances of the mother having a child with a birth defect. These include using drugs or taking certain medications prior to pregnancy, having a family member who has a birth defect or having certain medical conditions, such as rheumatic heart disease. Women who have an ancestry of these disorders are advised to consult a genetic counselor about their options before getting pregnant.

The degree of birth defect in a child varies on the affected body part and how severe the damage. The more severe the birth defect, the more serious the problems.

The majority of birth defects are caused by genetics or the environment during the fetal development. The chance of developing birth defects can be reduced by gaining knowledge about your family's history with health issues and genes, talking to a genetic counselor, and birth defect law firms following prenatal care guidelines.

Structural birth defects alter how a specific part of the body looks or works. They can be visible, such as cleft lips and Cleft palettes, or they can be invisible, like chromosome issues or metabolic disorders. Genetic disorders that are inherited can result in birth defects that are structural. Environmental factors, like an absence of folic acid can cause neural tube defects that cause the development of the spinal or brain not being correct.

Find More Evidence Than You Think

There are many medical procedures that pregnant women can undergo to discover more about possible birth defects. Amniocentesis is one example, in which a healthcare professional takes an insignificant amount of fluid from the fetus to conduct testing. This test may reveal chromosomal irregularities and other health conditions, such as infections (such as Zika or rubella) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor can test the amniotic liquid, blood and fetus's tissues to determine if there are signs of birth defect. These tests are vital in finding out the cause of birth defect. They also help determine the severity of birth defect and its effects on a child's adult life.

However certain birth defects may be unnoticed until the baby is born, or in rare cases, an adult. This is due to the fact that these conditions are not detectable until they are present and often can only be detected using diagnostic equipment. In these cases the medical expert witness should be acquainted with the techniques and the training necessary to be able identify the defects. A lawyer who has expertise should be able to pinpoint the most appropriate specialist for your case.

Hire an attorney for Medical Malpractice

If a child is born with a serious birth defect or suffers a serious birth injury, it could completely turn a family's life upside down. These injuries can lead to permanent physical and mental problems, requiring medical care for a lifetime.

Medical science can explain about 30% of birth defect cases However, the majority of cases remain a mystery. Research has proven that certain chemicals and substances can cause birth defects, like those that are found in prescription and over-the-counter medicines that mothers are prescribed as well as the toxic chemicals that work in some communities and homes, as well as contaminated groundwater and air.

Doctors have a duty to evaluate the mother's current medications and advise her of any risks to the fetus. If they fail to perform this obligation, they can be held responsible for birth defects that are caused by medications.

Doctors also have a duty to assess the safety of any procedure or equipment they recommend for pregnant women. This includes x-ray devices, surgical instruments and other equipment. If a doctor makes a mistake using this equipment or fails to properly calibrate the equipment it could have grave consequences for the baby. This would be considered malpractice. It's important to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can in the event of this happening. In certain states, you're only given one year to file a medical negligence case, so the faster you start the process, the better.

Start with the First Step

Birth defects are the primary cause of infant death. They affect one in 33 babies every year. These conditions can be life-threatening and they can cause long-term physical, cognitive and emotional difficulties. In some instances, scientists have connected the causes to mother's exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, toxins accumulated in the environment and maternal infections, the complications of pregnancy and birth or a family medical history (like genetic illnesses such as sickle cell disease or PKU). In around 70% of cases, the cause is unknown.

Certain birth defects, like hearing loss or a clubfoot are easily identifiable and can be detected from birth or within the first year of a child's existence. Others, such as heart problems or intellectual and developmental disabilities, are not as easy to identify and require tests that are specific to the condition.

Researchers are trying to discover what causes birth defects and how they can be avoided. For example women who smoke and drink alcohol or consume illegal drugs during pregnancy increase their likelihood of having a child with certain defects. Women with a family history involving genetic disorders that are inherited may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. They should also utilize the March of Dimes family health history form to collect data regarding medical conditions that run in their families and then share it with their doctor or genetic counselor.