birth defect law firms Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Different classifications and identifications of cases may result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could have long-term health consequences. Birth defects can be caused by a medical error or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other cases they could result from environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may be the result of complications in pregnancy, such as uterine constriction, rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defect lawsuits defects are caused by genetic diseases that run in families. These can be detected by an ultrasound or blood test. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are called congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This will help couples determine if they need to undergo additional tests. Screening tests for newborns can be used to identify certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function or the structure of a person. Birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, during birth or in early childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious such as cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders and others are not as conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for certain types of health problems. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It's not always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often associated with. This may include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water of communities or a problem during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor did not take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these instances, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a birth defect vary depending on the severity and type of birth defect. Some birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention after the baby is born.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, resulting from missing or extra genes in a person's cells. They are usually passed down from parents. These include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart problems. They are usually caused by problems during the development of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later on in life when symptoms begin to show. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some are due to issues that occur during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defect law firms defects could be linked to the presence of chemicals 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 recent advances in medical science, birth injuries and defects remain a tragic fact. Fortunately most birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child with an issue with their birth that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's crucial to consult an experienced lawyer as quickly as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can help you comprehend the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and are proud of the level of service that we provide our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in pursuing compensation for losses, including past and future medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and then work to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to adequately test their products before putting them on market and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.