Beware Of These "Trends" Concerning Birth Defect Attorneys
Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.
Different classifications and methods of identifying cases could result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with injuries or defects could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects can result from medical errors or negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.
In some instances birth defects is prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In some cases birth defects may be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may be the result of complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture the amniotic sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.
Some birth defects result from genetic disorders that run in families. These can be diagnosed with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Some of these ailments can be prevented or treated like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no known reason and are classified as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.
Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of having birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can aid them in determining if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects 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 impact organ function or the structure of the person. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial disorders 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 by 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. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the kind of defect.
It's not always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently associated with. This may include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate water and birth defect lawyer air in communities, or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Other times birth defects can be due to a physician not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a recognized medical problem. In these cases medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect can vary based on its severity and type. Some birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical intervention or surgery following the birth of the baby.
A few of the most common defects are the chromosomal. These are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes that are present in cells of a person. They are typically inherited from the parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These birth defects are caused by issues with the organ development of the baby, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects can be conducted during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to show. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take genetic tests for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.
Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Certain Birth Defect Lawyer defects result from complications that occur during pregnancy, whereas others can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are due to chemicals that can be found 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 medical technology, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child with an issue with their birth that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to speak to an skilled lawyer as soon as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you understand 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 dealing with cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take pride in the level of service that we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.
We can help you obtain compensation for damages, such as the future and past medical costs loss of income, punitive damage in some cases and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.
Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing their products to the market, and inform consumers about any possible adverse consequences. If your child's birth defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.