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 have a lasting effect on the lives of the affected.

Differences in how cases are identified and classified could lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction and a clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health effects. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In other cases, they can be the result of environmental factors such as exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that occur during pregnancy like uterine constraint, rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth Defect attorneys defects result from genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be detected through the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no origin and are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities are at an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic disorders may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can aid them in determining if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns can reveal some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can affect organ function or the structure of the individual. Birth defects are often detected by a medical professional during pregnancy, before birth or in early childhood. Some birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, are easily visible. Others aren't as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries bile to the liver).

Many birth defects are detected through newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to identify genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It is not always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect law firms defect. However, environmental factors are often implicated. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defect lawsuit defects happen because a doctor failed to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these situations the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect vary depending on the severity and type. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention following the birth of the baby.

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal, due to missing or additional genes in a person's cells. These are typically passed down from parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. They are usually caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be done during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later on in life, when symptoms begin to appear. These tests can be done through ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo an inherited test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a specific condition.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, whereas other can be linked to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may result in birth defects. Some birth defects are also due to chemicals that are present in the environment, such as herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. 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 knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

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

We can assist you in seeking damages, which include past and future medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages, in some cases as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and will work tirelessly to achieve the best result for your family.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and inform consumers about any potential side consequences. If your child's birth defects resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.