The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Birth Defect Attorneys
Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and a quarter minutes. These defects can affect the lives of those affected for a lifetime.
Different classifications and identifications of cases can lead to an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and clinical review in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with an injury or defect could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects can result from a medical error or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.
In some instances birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In some cases, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).
Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These are easily identified through a blood test or birth defect attorneys ultrasound. Certain illnesses can be treated or prevented like PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are known as congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.
Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of developing birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to get pregnant. This will aid them in determining if further testing is required. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that can be treated immediately.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function, or the structure of a person. Birth defects can be detected by a medical professional during the pregnancy process, at birth, or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects, like palates, lips, or craniofacial abnormalities, are visible. Others are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that transports bile to the liver).
Many birth defects can be detected by newborn screening tests, which check for specific health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be detected by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the condition.
It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of birth defects, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes birth defects can be the result of a doctor failing to take appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a birth defect are based on the severity and type. Certain defects can be corrected prior to the baby is born while others might require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.
Most of the most prevalent disorders are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes within cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart issues. They are usually caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Screening tests may be performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later in life if symptoms start to appear. These tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.
Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some birth defects result from complications that arise during pregnancy, while others can be traced to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may result in birth defect attorneys defects. Some birth defects can also be due to chemicals that are present in the natural environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child with an issue with their birth that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to talk to an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.
Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service we provide to 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 seek compensation for damages, such as future and past medical expenses loss of income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.
Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing their products to the market, and also warn customers about any possible side effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, you can start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect lawyer.