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 affect the lives of those who are affected for a lifetime.

Variations in the way cases are classified and identified can result in the over- or under-ascertainment certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with a defect or injury, it can cause serious health problems for the child's life. Birth defects are often the result of medical error or mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented through proper nutrition and prenatal care. In some cases birth defects may be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy such as uterine constraint, rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders which run in families. These are easily identified through tests for blood 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 anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities have a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illness may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This can help couples decide if they need to undergo additional testing. Newborn screening tests are able to determine certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

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

Many birth defect issues can be identified through newborn screening tests which look for a variety of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the condition.

It is not always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often implicated. This can include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water of communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Other times birth defect attorney [https://www.medexmd.com/] defects can be caused by a medical professional failing to take appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical disease. In these cases there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect are based on the severity and type. Certain defects can be corrected prior to a baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.

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

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later on in life, when symptoms begin to appear. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds and blood tests. A person can also have an genetic test for birth defects in order to determine if they are predisposed to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are caused by issues that occur during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced to certain environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are caused by certain chemicals that are found in the environment, such as pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine birth injuries and defects continue to be an unfortunate fact. Thankfully many birth defects are preventable. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service we offer to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, yourself and your family.

We can assist you in seeking damages, which include past and future medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages in certain circumstances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to test their products thoroughly prior to releasing them onto the market, and to inform consumers of possible adverse reactions. If your child's birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.