The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

Different ways in which cases are classified and identified could lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with an injury or defect it can have serious health consequences for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects could be caused by medical negligence or a mistake of a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects is prevented by the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In other cases they may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that happen during pregnancy such as the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac or the lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. They can be identified by an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these diseases can be prevented or treated, such as PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects are not known to have a cause. They are known as congenital disorders or congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities are at an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic diseases might consider consulting an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they'll need additional tests. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function or the structure of a person. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born, or in early childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and palates, birth or craniofacial disorders and others are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are detected through newborn screening tests that check for specific health issues. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, however it is often associated with environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute water and air in communities or complications during pregnancy or birth defect lawsuit. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor failed to take the proper steps to prevent or treat an existing medical condition. In these instances there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the condition. Some can be corrected before the baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.

The most frequent problems are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes in a person’s cells. These are usually inherited from the parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found, neural tube defects, and heart problems. They are usually caused by problems during the development of a baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to appear. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds and blood tests. A person can also have genetic tests for birth defects in order to determine whether they are predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are due to complications that happen during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbicides 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 persist as an unfortunate fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we are proud on the excellent service we offer to 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 compensation for damages including future and past medical expenses, 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 receives the most favorable possible result.

Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the public, and they must inform customers about any possible side negative effects. However, if your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you could start a lawsuit based on product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.