Birth Defect Attorneys: 11 Thing You're Leaving Out
Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.
Different classifications and identifications of cases can result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and clinical review in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with an injury or defect could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of the doctor during pregnancy.
In birth defect lawyer reading can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other instances, they can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy like uterine constraint, 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 are passed down through families. These are easily identified through a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses can be prevented or treated like PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and cleft palate. Some birth defects are not identified as a cause. They are known as congenital disorders or congenital abnormalities.
Women who are over 30 and those of certain ethnicities have a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic diseases might consider consulting an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they should undergo further testing. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that are treatable immediately.
Diagnosis
A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part, affecting the way that organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be detected by a doctor during pregnancy, before birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial defects, are obvious. Some, however, aren't as obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct, which transports bile to the liver).
Many birth defects can be detected through newborn screening tests, which check for specific health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the type of defect.
It's not always easy to determine the cause of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often implicated. These include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes birth defects could be due to a physician not taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat a recognized medical condition. In these situations it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be pursued.
Treatment
When a birth defect has been recognized, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some can be corrected before a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.
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. Structural defects include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart problems. They are typically caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs, specifically during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Screening tests can be conducted in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life if symptoms begin to manifest. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.
It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some are caused by complications that occur during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are linked to certain chemicals that are found in the surrounding environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medicine birth injuries and defects are an unsettling fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child that has an anomaly in the birth process that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an experienced lawyer as soon as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can help you comprehend the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.
Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling the claims of wrongful birth. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and are proud of the quality of service we provide our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can focus on your child, you, and your family.
We can assist you in seeking damages, which include 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 gets the best possible outcome.
Manufacturers of drugs are required to test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the market and to warn consumers of potential side effects. If your child's birth defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defects drug lawyer.