The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

The way that cases are identified and classified can result in either under or over-ascertaining certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system includes 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 a medical error or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defect can be prevented by the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In certain instances birth defects may be caused through environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can be caused by complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the fetus.

Some birth defects result from genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These can be identified with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Some of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Certain birth defects aren’t recognized to be the cause. They are known as congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of developing birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic diseases may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This will help them determine if additional testing is necessary. Newborn screening tests can identify certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can impact organ function or the structure of the individual. Birth defects are often detected by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, at birth defect lawsuit or in the early stages of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious, like cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities however others are more evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are detected through newborn screening tests which look for some kinds of health problems. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the type of defect.

It is not always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However the environment is often implicated. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor did not take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent the occurrence of a medical condition. In these cases it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been discovered, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the defect. Some of them can be fixed before a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the baby is born.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person’s cells. These are usually inherited from parents. These include cleft lips, birth Defect neural tube defects, and heart problems. These birth defects are caused by problems with the development of the baby’s organs particularly in the initial three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be performed during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later on in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be conducted via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person can also have a genetic test for birth defects in order to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. Birth defects are often caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child suffering from a birth defect that may be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it’s crucial to consult an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice lawyer will help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family’s costs and losses.

Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in settling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the exceptional service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages including future and past medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages in some instances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible result.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing their products to the market, and inform consumers of any possible side consequences. If, however, your child’s birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may be able to make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.