A Provocative Remark About Birth Defect Attorneys

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and a quarter minutes. These defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

The way that cases are identified and classified can lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain birth defects that are subtypes. 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 a defect or injury can have long-term health effects. Birth defects can be caused by medical negligence or a mistake of doctors during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defect can be prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In some cases bloomingdale birth defect Attorney defects, they can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can result from complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack of oxygen in the foetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be identified with a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Some birth defects are not known to have a cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases might want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to have a baby. This can help couples determine if they need to undergo additional testing. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be spotted by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, before birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, are visible. Others, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports bile to the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are identified through newborn screening tests that check for a variety of health problems. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the condition.

It may not always be certain what caused a birth defect, however it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result due to a medical professional failing to take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent the occurrence of a medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect vary depending on its severity and type. Some defects can be addressed before the birth of a baby, while others might require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth of the child.

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal, resulting from missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They usually come from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart problems. These are usually caused by issues during the development of the baby's organs, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They can also be done later on in life when symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be done by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo a genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a particular ailment.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while others can be traced to certain environmental elements. Birth defects may be caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be linked to certain chemicals that can be found in the environment, such as herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical technology, birth defects and watervliet birth defect lawsuit injuries are still a devastating reality. Fortunately most elizabethtown birth defect lawyer defects are preventable. If you have a child suffering from a birth defect that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is crucial to consult an skilled lawyer as soon as you can. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling wrongful birth cases. We are a plaintiffs-only company and are proud of the level of service that we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for damages including past and future medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances as well as emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on market and warn consumers of potential side effects. If, however your child's birth defect was caused by a drug you could bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.