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 quarter minutes. These birth defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

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

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could have long-term health effects. Birth defects are often caused by a medical mistake or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In some instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy like the uterine restriction, rupture of the amniotic sac or the lack of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects result from genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be identified by an ultrasound or blood test. Certain of these diseases can be treated or prevented, such as PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are older than 30 and of certain ethnicities have an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to conceive. This will help them determine if further testing is required. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can alter organ function or the structure of the person. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial disorders, while others are less conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests which look for certain health issues. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It's not always it possible to pinpoint the cause of birth defects, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are caused by a medical professional failing to take the appropriate measures to prevent or treat a recognized medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Certain birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are typically passed down from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart issues. These birth defects are caused by issues with the organ development of the baby, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during pregnancy, after a child is born or later in life when symptoms begin to appear. These tests can be done by ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo genetic tests for birth defects in order to determine whether they are susceptible to a particular ailment.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, whereas other can be linked to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Some birth defects are also 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 recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Fortunately, many birth defects can be avoided. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can assist you in understanding the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and are proud of the level of service that we offer our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for any damages, including the future and past medical costs, lost income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them to the market, and warn consumers about any possible adverse negative effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.