Birth Defect Attorneys: What Nobody Is Discussing

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects can alter the lives of those affected for a lifetime.

Different classifications and types of cases could result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If a baby is born with a defect or injury it can have serious health effects on the child for life. Birth defects are often the result of a medical mistake or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be prevented by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In other instances they may result from environmental factors such as exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy like the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that run in families. These can be identified with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these ailments, such as PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Some birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are known as congenital disorders or congenital abnormalities.

Women who are older than 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases might want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This will help them determine if further tests are required. Screening tests for newborns can be used to determine certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function or the structure of the individual. Birth defects can be detected by a doctor during pregnancy, at birth or in early childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, are obvious. Others aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports bile to the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for a variety of health problems. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, birth defect lawyers and sickle Cell Disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It isn't always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often involved. This could include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a physician failed to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these situations the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect vary depending on the severity and nature of the defect. Certain defects can be corrected prior to a baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical procedures following the birth of the child.

The most frequent defects are chromosomal. They are caused by missing or extra genes within cells of a person. They usually come from parents. These include cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused by problems with the baby's organ development, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They can also be performed later in life if symptoms begin to show. These tests can be done via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed towards a particular condition.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some are caused by issues that occur during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth defect lawyers birth injuries and defects continue to be a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child suffering from a birth defect that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an expert lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice, and we take pride on the high level of service we provide to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages such as future and past medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible outcome.

Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market, and inform consumers about any potential side negative effects. However, if your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defect law firms defect drug lawyer.