The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

Variations in the way cases are identified and classified can result in over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If a baby is born with an injury or defect it can cause serious health problems for the child's future. Birth defects can be caused by a medical error or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defect can be prevented through proper nutrition and prenatal care. In other cases they could result from environmental factors such as exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, such as the uterine restriction, rupture of the amniotic sac, or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be diagnosed with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain illnesses are treatable or preventable, such as PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are called congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illness may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they'll need additional testing. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body which affects the way organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be spotted by a doctor during pregnancy, at birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defect attorney defects are visible like cleft lips or defect palates or craniofacial anomalies while others are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified by newborn screening tests, which check for specific health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can easily be identified by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the type of defect.

It is not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often involved. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the water and air in communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a doctor did not make the necessary steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these cases it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect vary depending on its severity and type. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal. caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart issues. These birth defects are caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs, defect particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They can also be done later in life if symptoms start to appear. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are caused by issues that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Certain birth defects could be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite the latest advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects are an unsettling fact. Fortunately, many birth defects are preventable. If you have a child with a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an expert lawyer as soon as possible. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney will help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take great pride in the quality of service we provide our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on your child, yourself and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages such as past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in some instances, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to achieve the best result for your family.

Drug makers are required to adequately test their products before putting them on the market and warn consumers of potential side effects. However, if your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you could file a product liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.