The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can alter the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases may result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with an injury or defect it could have serious health effects on the child for life. Birth defects are often caused by an error in medicine or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be avoided with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In other instances they may result from environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy, such as the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac or the lack of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects result from genetic disorders which run in families. These are easily identified through the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these ailments can be treated or prevented, such as PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are known as congenital disorders, also known as congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of having birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases might want to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to get pregnant. This can help them determine if additional testing is needed. Newborn screening tests can identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part, affecting the way that organs function or the structure of the body. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities however others are more noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for some kinds of health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the type of defect.

It may not always be possible to know what caused a birth defect, however it is usually linked to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, Birth Defect Attorneys defects occur because a doctor did not take the proper steps to treat or prevent a known medical condition. In these instances the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the defect. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

The most frequent issues are the chromosomal. These are caused by extra or missing genes within cells of a person. They are typically inherited from parents. These include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused due to issues with the development of organs in the baby particularly in the initial three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during pregnancy, after a person is born or later in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may result in birth defects. Some birth defects are linked to certain chemicals that are present in the environment, such as pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical technology, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child suffering from a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's essential to consult an expert lawyer as soon as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can assist you in understanding the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience dealing with wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice and we are proud on the quality of service we offer to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you obtain compensation for damages, including future and past medical expenses loss of income, punitive damages in certain instances and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and will work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly prior to releasing them onto the market and to inform consumers of the potential adverse effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, you can start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.