The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases may result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with a defect or injury it can have serious health effects on the child's future. Birth defects could be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be prevented by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In some instances birth defects can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a lack oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These can be diagnosed with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Certain birth defects aren't known to have a cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders, or congenital abnormalities.

Women who are older than 30 and of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This will aid them in determining if further tests are required. Newborn screening tests can identify some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can impact organ function or the structure of the person. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial defects, are obvious. Some, however, aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected through newborn screening tests, which check for specific health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be detected by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate air and water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a physician failed to take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat an existing medical condition. In these cases there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

Most of the most prevalent defects are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from the parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found, neural tube defects, and heart problems. They are usually caused by issues during the growth of the baby's body organs, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They may also be conducted later in life if symptoms begin to manifest. The tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic test for birth defect law firm defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular disease.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defect Attorneys defects. Some are due to complications that arise during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Some birth defects can be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical technology, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Thankfully most birth defects can be avoided. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can help you comprehend the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling the claims of wrongful birth. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the excellent service we provide to our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for damages such as 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 most favorable outcome for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to adequately test their products prior to releasing them onto the market and to inform consumers of possible adverse reactions. If your child's birth defects resulted from a drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defect lawyer.