The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys
Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and a quarter minutes. These birth defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of those affected.
Different ways in which cases are identified and classified can lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review as well as passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with an injury or defect could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of the doctor during pregnancy.
In some cases birth defects can be avoided through proper nutrition and prenatal care. In certain instances birth defects may be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects are also caused by complications that happen during pregnancy such as the uterine limit, rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).
Some birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be detected through an ultrasound or blood test. Certain illnesses can be treated or prevented like PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no known cause and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.
Women who are older than 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic disorders might consider consulting an expert in genetics prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they should undergo additional tests. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that can be treated right away.
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. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders and others are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).
Many birth defects are detected by newborn screening tests, that look for specific health issues. PKU and 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 used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.
It's not always it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, however it is usually linked to environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or birth Defect attorneys over the counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects occur due to a medical professional failing to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these cases the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice might be filed.
Treatment
When a birth defect has been discovered, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the condition. Some can be corrected before the baby is born while others may require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth of the child.
Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person's cells. They are typically inherited from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart problems. These problems are caused by issues with the organ development of the baby, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.
Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy or after birth defect attorneys. They may also be conducted later in life if symptoms start to appear. The tests can be conducted via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have a 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 birth defects result from complications that arise during pregnancy, whereas other are linked to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite the recent advancements in medicine, birth injuries and defects are a tragic fact. Thankfully many birth defects are preventable. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may be due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate will help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family's losses and expenses.
Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take great pride in the level of service that we provide to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on yourself, your child, 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 as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.
Manufacturers of drugs are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on market and to inform consumers of the potential adverse effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a drug, you may file a product-liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defect lawyer.