Birth Defect Attorneys: What Nobody Is Talking About

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These birth defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases may result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with a defect or injury, it can have serious health consequences for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects are often the result of medical error or doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other instances they could be the result of environmental factors like exposure to hazardous 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 a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects result from genetic diseases which run in families. These can be diagnosed with a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses, such as PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects are not known to have a cause. They are called congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.

Women who are older than 30 and of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic diseases might want to talk to 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 certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, which are treatable immediately.

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 detected by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, at birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects, such as palates, lips, or craniofacial abnormalities, are easily visible. Other birth defects, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for specific health problems. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It's not always it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or non-prescription medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects arise due to a medical professional failing to take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these instances, a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

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

A majority of birth defect law firms defects are chromosomal, due to missing or additional genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart issues. These problems are caused by issues with the baby's organ development particularly during the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted in the course of pregnancy or after birth defect attorney. They may also be conducted later on in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be conducted through ultrasounds and blood tests. The patient can also undergo an inherited test for birth defects to see if they are predisposed to a particular condition.

Preventing birth defect law Firms defects is not always easy. Some are due to complications that arise during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Some birth defects can also be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical technology, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Thankfully, many birth defects can be avoided. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could be due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can assist you in understanding the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take pride in the quality of service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for damages such as future and past medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in certain circumstances and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them onto the market, and also warn consumers about any potential side negative effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, birth defect law Firms you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.