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 defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.
The way that cases are classified and identified can result in the over- or under-ascertainment certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system includes active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
If the baby is born with a defect, injury or other it could cause serious health issues for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects could be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.
In some cases birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other cases they could be the result of environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus, rupture the amniotic fluid sac or a lack oxygen to the foetus.
Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be detected by an ultrasound or blood test. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known origin and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.
Women who are older than 30 and are of certain ethnicities have an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illness might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they'll need further testing. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that are treatable immediately.
Diagnosis
A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body and can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare provider can detect birth defect lawsuits defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious like cleft lips or craniofacial abnormalities however others are more noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).
Many birth defect issues can be detected through newborn screening tests which look for specific 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 be used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.
It's not always possible to know what caused a birth defect, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or non-prescription medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities or a problem during pregnancy or birth. Other times birth defects could be caused by a medical professional not taking the proper steps to avoid or treat a medical problem. In these cases it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be pursued.
Treatment
When a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the condition. Certain defects can be corrected prior to the baby is born while others might require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.
Most of the most prevalent issues are chromosomal. They are caused by extra or missing genes within cells of a person. These are typically passed down from parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found and neural tube defects and heart issues. These defects are caused due to issues with the development of the baby's organs, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.
Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy, or following birth Defect attorneys. They may also be conducted later in life if signs begin to show. These tests can be conducted via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person could undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular disease.
It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Certain birth defect law firm defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, whereas other can be linked to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are also related to chemicals that can be found in the natural environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medical science birth injuries and defects remain an unfortunate fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child with an anomaly in the birth process that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to talk to an expert lawyer as soon as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options available to you and birth defect law firm help you seek compensation for your family's losses and expenses.
Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in settling wrongful birth claims. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we pride ourselves on the exceptional service we provide to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.
We can assist you in pursuing compensation for losses, including past and future medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages when necessary, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible outcome.
Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and inform consumers about any possible adverse effects. If your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may be able to make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.