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 a quarter minutes. These defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of the affected.
The way that cases are identified and classified could lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. 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 an injury or defect may be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects are often the result of an error in medicine or a mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.
In certain cases birth defects can be prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In other cases, they can be the result of environmental factors such as exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy like uterine constraint, rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).
Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be identified with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no origin and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.
Women who are older than 30 and of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic disorders might want to consult a genetic counselor before trying to get pregnant. This can help couples decide if they need to undergo additional testing. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, which can be treated as soon as they are identified.
Diagnosis
A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body which affects the way organs work or the structure of the body. 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 noticeable, like cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).
Many birth defect disorders can be detected through newborn screening tests that check for a variety of health issues. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.
It's not always easy to determine the root of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often implicated. This may include exposure to prescription or non-prescription medications, chemical substances that can contaminate water and air in communities or complications during pregnancy or birth Defect attorney. Other times birth defects could be the result of a doctor failing to take the appropriate measures to prevent or treat a recognized medical problem. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.
Treatment
When a birth defect has been recognized, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the problem. Some defects can be addressed before the birth of a baby, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.
Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. resulting from missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They usually come from the parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart issues. These birth defects are caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later in life when symptoms start to show. These tests can be conducted via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to a specific condition.
It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some are due to complications that happen during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be linked to chemicals found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite the latest advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects persist as an unsettling fact. Fortunately, many birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could be the result of 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 many years of experience in settling wrongful birth claims. We are a plaintiffs-only company and take great pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll help you get rid of the burden so that you can focus on your child, yourself, and your family.
We can help you pursue compensation for damages including past and future medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages when necessary, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the best outcome for your family.
Drug makers are required to thoroughly test their products prior to releasing them onto the market and to warn consumers of the potential adverse effects. If, however your child's birth defect was caused by a drug, you could file a product liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.
