5 People You Should Be Getting To Know In The Birth Defect Attorneys Industry

birth defect attorneys (go source) Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Different classifications and identifications of cases can lead to an over- or under-estimated number 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

When a baby is born with a defect or injury, it could have serious health consequences for the child's future. Birth defects are often caused by a medical mistake or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defects can be avoided with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In some instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus.

Some birth defects result from genetic diseases that run in families. These are easily identified through tests for blood or an ultrasound. Some of these ailments can be prevented or treated by a doctor, for example PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a origin and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women who are older than 30 and are of certain ethnicities have a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they should undergo additional testing. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or in early childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious, birth defect attorneys like cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders however others are more obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are diagnosed through newborn screening tests that check for a variety of health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can easily be identified by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the condition.

It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of birth defects, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This can include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects arise due to a medical professional failing to take the proper steps to treat or prevent the occurrence of a medical condition. In these instances there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is diagnosed, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the issue. Certain defects can be corrected prior to a baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal, resultant from the absence of or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically inherited from the parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lips or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. These problems are caused by problems with the development of organs in the baby, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be done during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later in life when the first signs begin to appear. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds and blood tests. One can also take an genetic test for birth defects to determine whether they are prone to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some birth defects result from complications that occur during pregnancy, whereas other can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Some birth defects can also be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. This includes pesticides and 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 an unfortunate fact. Fortunately most birth defects can be avoided. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can help you understand the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling cases involving wrongful births. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and are proud of the level of service that we provide our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on your child, you, and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages such as future and past medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages, in some cases and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing their products to the market, and inform customers about any possible side effects. If your child's birth defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication, you could make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defects drug lawyer.