The 10 Scariest Things About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defect lawyer defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified can result in the over- or under-ascertainment certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect may be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects can be caused by a medical error or negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defect is prevented by taking care of your baby and eating well. In some cases birth defects may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy, such as uterine constraint, rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These can be identified with a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain illnesses can be treated or prevented, such as PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and cleft palate. Some birth defects are not known to be the cause. They are called congenital disorders, or congenital abnormalities.

Women who are older than 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having certain birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illness might want to consult an expert in genetics prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help them determine if further testing is needed. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that could be treated right away.

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. Birth defects can be identified by a doctor during pregnancy, at birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, craniofacial abnormalities while others are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified through newborn screening tests, which look for certain health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or birth defect the birth. Other times, birth defects are the result of a doctor not taking appropriate steps to stop or treat a recognizable medical problem. In these cases it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect can vary based on the severity and nature of the defect. Certain birth defect lawyer defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require medical or surgical intervention following the birth of the baby.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, resulting from missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They usually come from the parents. These include cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart issues. They are usually caused by problems with the development of the baby’s organs and tissues, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, Birth defect after a child is born or later in life when symptoms start to show. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.

It’s not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some birth defects result from complications that arise during pregnancy, whereas others can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Some birth defects can also be due to chemicals that are found in the environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries remain a tragic fact. Fortunately most birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child that has a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it’s important to talk to an experienced lawyer as quickly as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for your family’s losses and expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the excellent 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 seek compensation for damages, such as the future and past medical costs as well as lost income, punitive damage in some cases as well as emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to test their products thoroughly before putting them on market and to warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If, however, your child’s birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may be able to start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a birth defects drug lawyer.