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 an anomaly in the birth process. These birth defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of those affected.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified could lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system includes active case assessment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could have long-term health effects. Birth defects can be caused by medical errors or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defect can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In certain instances birth defect law firms defects, they can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a lack of oxygen in the foetus.

Some birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be identified with a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or Birth defect attorneys prevented. Some birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are known as congenital disorders, or congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to have a baby. This can help them determine if further testing is required. Screening tests for newborns can be used to identify certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A Birth defect attorneys defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part and can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial anomalies, are apparent. Others, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports the bile to the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that check for a variety of health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be identified by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the condition.

It is not always possible to determine the source 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 arising during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor did not make the necessary steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these instances the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a birth defect differ based on the severity and type of birth defect. Some birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, caused by missing or extra genes in a person's cells. They are typically passed down from the parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found, neural tube defects, and heart issues. They are typically caused by issues during the growth of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They are also able to be done later on in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be done by ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take an inherited test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are due to complications that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to certain environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Some birth defects can also be linked to certain chemicals that can be found in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Fortunately the majority of birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child who has a birth defect that may be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's crucial to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you understand the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling wrongful birth claims. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we are proud on the quality of service we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for damages such as past and future medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.

Drug makers are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on the market and to warn consumers of the potential adverse effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.