Birth Defect Attorneys Isn t As Tough As You Think
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 affect the lives of those affected for a lifetime.
Different classifications and identifications of cases can lead to an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction and clinical review as well as passive reporting.
Causes
If the baby is born with a defect, injury or other it can cause serious health issues for the child's life. Birth defects are usually the result of medical error or doctor's negligence during pregnancy.
In certain cases, birth defect can be avoided through taking care of your baby and eating well. In certain instances birth defects may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that occur during pregnancy such as constriction of the uterus rupture of the amniotic sac, or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).
Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be detected through a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these diseases are treatable or preventable with the help of a specialist, such as PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Certain birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are referred to as congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.
Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased chance of developing birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic illnesses might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This will aid them in determining if further testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborns can be used to detect certain conditions like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that can be treated immediately.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function, or the structure of a person. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, birth defect Law firms such as palates, lips or craniofacial defects, are obvious. Other birth defects, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).
Many birth defect disorders can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for certain types of health issues. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the type of defect.
It's not always possible to know what caused birth defects, but it is typically attributed 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 develop during pregnancy or during delivery. Other times, birth defects are due to a physician not taking the proper steps to avoid or treat a medical problem. In these cases medical malpractice claims can be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a recognized birth defect can vary based on the severity and type of birth defect. Some defects can be addressed before the baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth of the child.
The most frequent problems are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes within cells of a person. They usually come from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart issues. These are typically caused by issues with the development of a baby's organs, specifically during the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests are performed during pregnancy or after birth. They may also be conducted later in life if signs begin to manifest. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds and blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to a particular disease.
It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Certain birth defects result from complications that can occur during pregnancy, while others can be linked to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy could lead to birth defects. Some birth defects can also be caused by certain chemicals that are found in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medical science birth defect law firms (https://nlifelab.org) injuries and defects remain a tragic reality. Fortunately most birth defects can be prevented. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer will help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.
Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we are proud on the excellent service we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.
We can help you seek compensation for damages including future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible outcome.
Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them to the public, and they must inform consumers about any possible adverse effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you may bring a lawsuit for Birth Defect law firms product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.