5 Common Myths About Birth Defect Attorneys You Should Stay Clear Of

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These birth defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified could lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and lawsuits clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If a baby is born with a defect, injury or other it can have serious health consequences for the child's life. Birth defects can result from an error in medicine or the negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In some cases birth defects can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects are also caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, including uterine constraint, rupture of the amniotic sac, or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be detected through a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses can be treated or prevented like PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are called congenital disorders or congenital abnormalities.

Women who are over 30 and those of certain ethnicities have a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic diseases might consider consulting a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help them determine if additional testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns are able to determine certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or during early childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial irregularities are visible. Some, however, aren't as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that transports the bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected by newborn screening tests, which are designed to detect certain health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. A doctor can detect certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating air and water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or the birth. Other times birth defects may be due to a physician not taking the proper steps to stop or treat a recognizable medical problem. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect attorneys defect is identified, the options for treatment differ depending on the nature and severity of the condition. Some can be corrected before the birth of a baby, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the baby is born.

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal. caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are typically passed down from parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lip or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. They are typically caused by problems with the development of the baby's body organs, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They can also be done later in life if symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some birth defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, whereas others can be traced to environmental factors. birth defect lawsuit defects can be caused by use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are related to chemicals that can be found in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine birth injuries and defects are a tragic reality. Fortunately many birth defects are preventable. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you comprehend the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases of wrongful birth. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take pride in the quality of service we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, such as future and past medical expenses loss of income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible result.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to adequately test their products prior to releasing them onto the market and to warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If, however, your child's birth defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication you may be able to bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.