Birth Defect Attorneys: 11 Things You’re Forgetting To Do
Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of those affected.
Differences in how cases are classified and identified can result in either under or over-ascertaining certain types of birth defect lawsuits defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health consequences. Birth defects can result from medical errors or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.
In some instances, birth defect can be prevented through taking care of your baby and eating well. In other instances they may be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects are also caused by complications that arise during pregnancy like constriction of the uterus rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).
Some birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that are passed down through families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these diseases can be treated or prevented with the help of a specialist, such as PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Some birth defects are not known to have a cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital abnormalities.
Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases may wish to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to conceive. This can help couples determine whether they’ll need further tests. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated immediately.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function or the structure of the individual. Birth defects can be identified by a medical professional during the pregnancy process, at birth, or in early childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities and others are not as conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).
Many birth defect-related conditions can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for certain types of health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to identify genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be identified by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the condition.
It may not always be possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, however it is usually linked to environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating air and water in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or the birth. Other times birth defects can be caused by a doctor failing to take the appropriate measures to stop or treat a recognizable medical health condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims could be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a 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 interventions after the baby is born.
The most frequent defects are the chromosomal. They are caused by missing or excess genes in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lip or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. They are usually caused by problems during the development of the baby’s organs and tissues, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later in life if signs begin to manifest. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they’re predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.
It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some are caused by issues that occur during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. Birth defects are often caused by the use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defect law firms defects could be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.
Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling wrongful birth defect attorneys claims. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service we provide to our clients. We’ll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.
We can assist you in obtaining compensation for damages, such as past and future medical costs as well as lost income, punitive damage in some cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and work diligently to ensure the best outcome for your family.
Drug makers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them to the market, and inform consumers about any possible adverse effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.