5 Cliches About Birth Defect Attorneys You Should Stay Clear Of

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and a quarter minutes. These birth defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

The way that cases are identified and classified can lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect may have long-term health effects. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of doctors during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be avoided with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In other instances they could be the result of environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, including the uterine limit, rupture of the amniotic sac, or the lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain Birth defect attorneys defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. These can be detected by the use of ultrasound or a blood test. 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. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are more at risk of chance of developing birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic disorders may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This can help them determine if further tests are required. Screening tests for newborns are able to identify certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part and can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born, or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial defects, are apparent. Other birth defects, however, aren't as obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests, which look for certain health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can easily be identified by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It's not always certain what caused a birth defect, however it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or non-prescription medications, chemical substances that can contaminate the air and water of communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result due to a medical professional failing to take the proper steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these instances, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect can vary based on the severity and type. Some of them can be fixed before the baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures following the birth of the child.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, resultant from the absence of or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from the parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These birth defects are caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs especially in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later on in life, when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an genetic test for birth defects to determine whether they are susceptible to a particular condition.

It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, while other can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are caused by certain chemicals that are present in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a tragic reality. Fortunately most birth defects can be avoided. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate will help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

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

We can help you seek compensation for your losses, which could include future and past medical expenses and lost income, as well as punitive damage in some cases as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market, and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If, however your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.