A New Trend In Birth Defect Attorneys
Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can affect the lives of those who are affected for the rest of their lives.
The way that cases are classified and identified can result in an over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review, birth defect lawyer in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
If the baby is born with a defect or injury it could have serious health consequences for the child's future. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of doctors during pregnancy.
In some instances, birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other instances they may result from environmental factors such as exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy, such as the uterine restriction, rupture of the amniotic sac, or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).
Some birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that run in families. These can be detected by an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Certain birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are known as congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.
Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic disorders may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This will aid them in determining if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns can help identify some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, which can be treated as soon as they are identified.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect organ function or the structure of the person. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial defects, are apparent. Some, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries bile to the liver).
Many birth defects are detected through newborn screening tests, which look for certain health issues. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the condition.
It's not always easy to determine the cause of a birth defect. However the environment is often involved. This can include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute water and air in communities or a problem during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a physician failed to take the proper steps to treat or prevent the occurrence of a medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims could be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a birth defect can vary based on the severity and type of birth defect. Some can be corrected before a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the baby is born.
Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person's cells. They are typically passed down from the parents. Structural defects include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart issues. They are usually caused by problems during the development of the baby's body organs, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They can also be done later in life if signs begin to show. The tests can be conducted via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo a genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are susceptible to a certain condition.
Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some are due to complications that happen during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to specific environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice attorney will help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.
Our team of experienced birth defect lawsuits defect lawyers has many years of experience in handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we pride ourselves on the quality of service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.
We can help you seek damages, which include past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in some instances as well as emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the best possible outcome.
Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing their products to the market, and warn consumers about any potential side negative effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, you can start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.