Birth Defect Attorneys Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, birth defect attorneys a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These birth defects can impact the lives of those who are affected for the rest of their lives.

The way that cases are identified and classified can lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and a clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect may have long-term health effects. Birth defects are usually caused by medical error or doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be avoided with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In some instances birth defects may be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that arise during pregnancy such as the uterine limit, rupture of the amniotic sac or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases that run in families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects are not recognized to be the cause. They are known as congenital conditions, or congenital abnormalities.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This will help couples determine whether they require additional testing. Screening tests for newborns can be used to detect certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body and can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be spotted by a medical professional during pregnancy, at birth defect attorney or even in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial defects, are visible. Others aren't as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct, which transports bile to the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be identified through newborn screening tests which look for some kinds of health problems. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It's not always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However the environment is often involved. This may include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that can contaminate the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result of a doctor not taking appropriate steps to avoid or treat a medical problem. In these situations there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

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

A few of the most common issues are the chromosomal. They are caused by missing or extra genes within cells of a person. These are typically passed down from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart problems. These birth defects are caused by issues with the development of organs in the baby particularly during the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to show. The tests can be conducted via ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take an genetic test for birth defects to determine whether they are susceptible to a specific condition.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, whereas others can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. This includes pesticides as well as herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine birth injuries and defects persist as a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may be due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you understand 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 years of experience handling wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we are proud on the excellent service we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages such as future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages when necessary and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and then work to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Drug makers are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on market and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.