5 Common Phrases 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 every four and quarter minutes. These defects can affect the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases can result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect may be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects is prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In other instances, they can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects are also caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, such as uterine constraint rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These can be detected by an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these ailments, such as PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Other birth defects have no origin and are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are older than 30 and of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to conceive. This will help them determine if further testing is needed. Newborn screening tests are able to determine certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body which affects the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be identified by a medical professional during pregnancy, before birth or even in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious, like cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are identified by newborn screening tests which look for specific health problems. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders such as 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 possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However the environment is often implicated. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a physician failed to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these cases, a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect are 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 interventions after the baby is born.

The most frequent disorders are the chromosomal. These are caused by extra or missing genes in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. These include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. These are typically caused by issues during the growth of the baby's organs, birth defect law firms particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later on in life when symptoms begin to appear. The tests can be conducted via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, whereas others can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides and herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science birth injuries and defects remain a tragic reality. Fortunately, many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child with a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling cases of wrongful birth defect law firms. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and take great 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 assist you in seeking compensation for damages, including future and past medical expenses, lost income, punitive damages in certain instances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family gets the best possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers are expected to thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market and warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If your child's birth defects resulted from a drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.