The 10 Most Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys
Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and a half minutes, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.
The way that cases are identified and classified can result in either under or over-ascertaining certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health effects. Birth defects are often caused by a medical mistake or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.
In some instances birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In other instances they may result from environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, including the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).
Certain birth defect attorney defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily detected with the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known origin and are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.
Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of developing birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illnesses may consider seeing an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help them determine if further tests are required. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated immediately.
Diagnosis
A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part, affecting the way that organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can spot 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 craniofacial abnormalities while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).
Many birth defects are detected by newborn screening tests that look for specific health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be identified by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the condition.
It may not always be possible to know what caused the birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute water and air in communities, or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor did not take the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.
Treatment
If a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the problem. Some can be corrected before a baby is born, while others might require surgery or Birth Defect other medical procedures following the birth of the child.
Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. resulting from missing or extra genes in a person's cells. These are typically passed down from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These are typically caused by problems with the development of a baby's organs and tissues, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a person is born or later in life, when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.
Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some are caused by complications that happen during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced to certain environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a devastating reality. Fortunately, many birth defects can be prevented. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney will help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.
Our team of expert birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we are proud on the high level of service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.
We can help you obtain compensation for birth defect damages, such as the future and past medical costs loss of income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and work diligently to achieve the best result for your family.
Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them to the market, and inform consumers about any possible adverse consequences. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.