Birth Defect Attorneys It's Not As Hard As You Think
Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These birth defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.
Different ways in which cases are classified and identified can lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with injuries or defects could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects are usually caused by medical error or negligent doctor during pregnancy.
In some instances birth defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In other cases they may be the result of 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 the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack of oxygen to the foetus.
Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily identified through tests for blood or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases can be treated or prevented by a doctor, for example 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 disorders.
Women who are older than 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having certain birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic illnesses might want to talk to a genetic counselor before trying to become pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they'll need further tests. Newborn screening tests can identify some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that can be treated as soon as they are identified.
Diagnosis
A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part and can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or during early childhood. Certain birth defects, like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial abnormalities, are obvious. Other birth defects, however, aren't as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).
Many birth defects are diagnosed through newborn screening tests, that look for specific health issues. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to identify genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can easily be identified by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.
It may not always be certain what caused a birth defect, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or non-prescription medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result of a doctor failing to take the appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical health condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a suspected birth defect vary depending on the severity and type of birth defect. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby's birth.
Most of the most prevalent disorders are chromosomal. These are caused by extra or missing genes in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused due to problems with the development of the baby's organs particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.
birth defect law firm salinas may be performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They may also be conducted later in life if symptoms start to appear. These tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to a particular disease.
Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are caused by complications that arise during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced to certain environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could lead to birth defects. Certain birth defects could be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite the recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Fortunately most birth defects are preventable. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can help you comprehend the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.
Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling the claims of wrongful birth. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we are proud on the exceptional service we provide to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.
We can assist you in seeking damages, which include future and past medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and then work to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to thoroughly test their products before putting them on market and warn consumers of the potential adverse effects. If your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may be able to bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.