The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and quarter minutes. These defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of those affected.

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

Causes

When a baby is born with a defect, injury or other it can cause serious health issues for the child for life. Birth defects can result from a medical error or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In certain instances birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth problems can be caused by complications in pregnancy, such as uterine constriction, rupture of the amniotic sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be detected through a blood test or ultrasound. Certain illnesses can be prevented or treated with the help of a specialist, such as PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects have no reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic diseases might consider consulting a genetic counselor before trying to get pregnant. This can help them determine if further tests are required. 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 abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect organ function or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be spotted by a healthcare professional during pregnancy, before birth or in the early stages of childhood. Certain birth defects, like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial abnormalities, are obvious. Others are less obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile to the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests, which look for certain health problems. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can easily be identified by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the condition.

It's not always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually implicated. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a doctor failed to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat an existing medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the defect. Some can be corrected before the birth of a baby, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures following the birth of the child.

A few of the most common defects are the chromosomal. They are caused by missing or excess genes in a person’s cells. They are typically inherited from the parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart issues. They are typically caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy, or following birth. They are also able to be done later on in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo genetic tests for birth defects in order to determine whether they are predisposed to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some are due to complications that occur during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to specific environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are due to chemicals that can be found in the environment, such as herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects remain an unsettling fact. Thankfully the majority of birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child that has a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an expert lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate will help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of expert 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 pride in the level of service that we offer our clients. We'll 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, including past and future medical costs and lost income, as well as damages for punitive purposes in certain cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to achieve the best result for your family.

Drug manufacturers are expected 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 drug you could start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a Birth Defect Attorneys defects drug lawyer.