Birth Defect Attorneys It's Not As Hard As You Think

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and quarter minutes. These defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected. Different ways in which cases are identified and classified can result in the over- or under-ascertainment certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting. Causes When the baby is born with a defect or injury it can cause serious health issues for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects are usually the result of an error in medicine or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy. In some instances, birth defect can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In certain instances birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury). Certain birth defects result from genetic disorders that run in families. These can be identified with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses can be prevented or treated, such as PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no origin and are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies. Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of developing birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may want 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 are able to detect certain conditions like critical congenital defects and certain infections that could be treated right away. Diagnosis Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can 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 healthcare provider during pregnancy, before birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial irregularities are apparent. Some, however, are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct which carries an influx of bile to the liver). Many birth defect disorders can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that check for specific health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be detected by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the defect. It isn't always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually associated with. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water of communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result due to a medical professional failing to take the proper steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued. Treatment When a birth defect has been recognized, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the problem. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention after the baby is born. A majority of birth defects are chromosomal. due to missing or additional genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lip or neural tube defects as well as heart problems. They are usually caused by problems during the development of the baby's organs, specifically during the first three months of pregnancy. birth defect law firm chattanooga may be performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They can also be done later in life if symptoms start to appear. The tests can be conducted via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have an inherited test for birth defects to determine whether they are predisposed to a specific condition. It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, while others can be linked to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971. Compensation Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice attorney can assist you in understanding your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses. Our team of experienced 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 quality of service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family. We can help you pursue compensation for damages such as future and past medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages when necessary, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and work diligently to ensure the best outcome for your family. Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and inform consumers about any potential side negative effects. If your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may be able to make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.