villa park birth defect attorney Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects can alter the lives of those who are affected for a lifetime.

Different classifications and identifiers of cases could result in an over- or underestimated number of smithfield birth defect lawyer defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with an injury or defect it can cause serious health problems for the child's life. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of doctors during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In some cases birth defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. These can be detected by a blood test or ultrasound. 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 referred to as congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.

Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of birth defects. Couples who share a 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 further testing. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated as soon as they are identified.

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 a person. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or in early childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders and others are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified through newborn screening tests which look for certain health issues. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be possible to know what caused a birth defect, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription or non-prescription medications, chemical substances that can contaminate water and air in communities or a problem during pregnancy or West Haven Birth Defect Law Firm. Sometimes birth defects may be caused by a doctor not taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect are based on the severity and nature of the defect. Some birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby's birth.

Some of the most common disorders are chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes in a person’s cells. They are typically passed down from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart problems. These problems are caused by problems with the baby's organ development particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a person is born or later in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests are conducted via ultrasounds and blood tests. One can also take an inherited test for birth defects to see if they are predisposed to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some are caused by issues that occur during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced to certain environmental elements. Birth defects are often caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are also due to chemicals that are found in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may be due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only company and are proud of the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on your child, and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages such as future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on market and to warn consumers of potential side effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, you can make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.