Five People You Should Know In The Birth Defect Attorneys Industry

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

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

Causes

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

In some instances, birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other instances, they can result from environmental factors such as exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack of oxygen in the foetus.

Some birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound test or a blood test. Some of these illnesses, such as PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases might want to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to have a baby. This will help couples determine whether they should undergo further testing. Newborn screening tests are able to determine certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function, or the structure of the individual. Birth defects are often detected by a medical professional during the pregnancy process, at birth, or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial abnormalities, are visible. Others, however, aren't as obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports bile to the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that check for a variety of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It may not always be certain what caused a birth defect, however it is typically linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating water and air in communities, or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor did not take the proper steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these cases, a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is identified, the options for treatment differ based on the type and severity of the problem. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal. caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. They are usually caused by problems during the growth of the baby's organs, specifically in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later in life, when symptoms begin to appear. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take an inherited test for birth defects to determine whether they are predisposed to a certain condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Certain birth defects result from complications that happen during pregnancy, while other can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are also caused by certain chemicals that are 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 medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a devastating reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may be the result of the negligence of medical experts. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling wrongful birth cases. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only 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 help you seek damages, which include future and past medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in some instances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and will work tirelessly to achieve the best result for your family.

Drug makers are required to test their products thoroughly 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 medication that is a prescription drug you may be able to start a lawsuit based on product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.