5 Common Phrases About Birth Defect Attorneys You Should Avoid

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 those affected.

The way that cases are identified and classified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect may have long-term health effects. Birth defects are often the result of a medical mistake or a mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In certain instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, including uterine constraint rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses which run in families. These can be detected by a blood test or ultrasound. Certain illnesses can be prevented or treated with the help of a specialist, such as PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no known origin and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women who are older than 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This can aid them in determining if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns can be used to identify certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function, or the structure of the individual. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, craniofacial anomalies or palates and others are not as evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified through newborn screening tests which look for certain health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of birth defects, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription or over-the counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate water and air in communities, or complications during pregnancy or birth. Other times, birth defects are caused by a medical professional not taking appropriate steps to avoid or treat a medical health condition. In these cases the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

If a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Some birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention after the baby's birth.

Some 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. They are typically passed down from the parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, Birth defects as well as heart issues. These birth defect attorney defects are caused by problems with the baby's organ development particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later in life, when symptoms begin to appear. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo genetic tests for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that can occur during pregnancy, while others can be linked to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy may result in birth defects. Some birth defects are also linked to certain chemicals that are found in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defect lawsuit defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Fortunately many birth defects can be avoided. 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 compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney will help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only company and take great pride in the level of service that we offer our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on yourself, your child and your entire family.

We can help you seek compensation for losses, including past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and work diligently to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug makers are required to adequately test their products before putting them on market and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side 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 drug lawyer.