Birth Defect Attorneys: What's No One Is Talking About

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects can affect the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases can lead to an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

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

In certain cases birth defects can be avoided through proper nutrition and prenatal care. In other cases they may result from environmental factors such as exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a lack oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be detected with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases can be prevented or treated 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 known as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of developing birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illness might consider consulting a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This can help them determine if further testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial defects, are obvious. Some, however, aren't as obvious as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified by newborn screening tests, which check for specific health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It is not always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually implicated. This may include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes birth defects can be due to a physician failing to take the appropriate measures to stop or treat a recognizable medical health condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a birth defect are based on the severity and type. Some defects can be addressed before the birth of a baby, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth of the child.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, resulting from missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from the parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. These birth defects are caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy, or Birth defect law Firms following birth. They can also be done later in life if signs begin to manifest. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds and blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are due to complications that arise during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to certain environmental elements. Birth defects are often caused by the use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are also due to chemicals that are present in the natural environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science birth injuries and defects continue to be a tragic reality. Fortunately the majority of birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could be the result of the negligence of medical experts. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can assist you in understanding your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only company and take great pride in the quality of service we offer our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can focus on your child, and your family.

We can help you obtain compensation for damages, such as the future and past medical costs and lost income, as well as damages for punitive purposes in certain cases and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the best possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them onto the market, and warn consumers about any potential side consequences. If the birth defect law Firms defects of your child resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you may make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.