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 defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of those affected.

The way that cases are identified and classified could lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with a defect, injury or other it can cause serious health problems for the child's future. Birth defects are usually the result of an error in medicine or a medical error made by a doctor Birth Defect Attorneys during pregnancy.

In some cases Birth Defect Attorneys defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other cases they could be the result of environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that occur 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 disorders that are passed down through families. These can be diagnosed with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no cause and are known as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are older than 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This will aid them in determining if further tests are required. Screening tests for newborns are able to identify certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function or the structure of the individual. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable like cleft lips or palates or craniofacial anomalies, while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are identified by newborn screening tests that look for a variety of 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 can also be used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of birth defects, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects occur because a doctor failed to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat an existing medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is identified, the options for treatment differ depending on the nature and severity of the condition. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

Some of the most common disorders are chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes in a person’s cells. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. They are typically caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs, specifically in 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 symptoms start to appear. These tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are prone to a specific condition.

It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some are due to complications that arise during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. Birth defects are often caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are linked to certain chemicals that can be found in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the latest advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects continue to be an unfortunate fact. Fortunately the majority of birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling the claims of wrongful birth. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and are proud of the level of service that we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek damages, which include future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in some instances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible result.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them onto the market, and also warn consumers about any potential side consequences. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.