10 Quick Tips About Birth Defect Attorney

What Causes a Birth Defect?

The last thing a new parent would like to hear is that their child might be born with a deformity. These issues may be caused by a variety of things that happen during fetal growth and can affect the physical or mental health of your child.

A medical professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy using the prenatal test or newborn screening. Other birth defects can only be detected following the birth of your child, or after symptoms begin to appear.

What is the reason for your child's defect?

The reason for the majority of birth defects is still unknown. There are a few factors that could increase the likelihood of a woman having a child with birth defect. These include using drugs or taking certain medications before pregnancy, a history of having a family member that has an abnormal birth or certain medical conditions, such as rheumatic heart disease. Women with an established history of these diseases should speak with a genetic counselor about their options prior to becoming pregnant.

The severity of a birth defect in a baby is dependent on the body part affected and how much is affected. The more severe a birth defect, the more severe the issues.

Most birth defects are caused either by genetics or the environment during fetal growth. You can reduce your risk of a birth deformity by consulting a genetic counselor or a health professional, gaining knowledge about the background of your family, and having a conversation with an expert in genetics.

Structural birth problems are those that alter how a particular part of the body appears or performs. They may be visible, such as cleft lips and Cleft palettes, but also invisible, like chromosome issues or metabolic conditions. Genetically-inherited conditions could be a form of structural birth defects. Environmental factors, like the absence of folic acid can cause neural tube defects, which result in brain or spinal cord development not functioning as it should.

Find More Evidence Than You Think

There are many medical procedures a pregnant mother may undergo to find out more about the possibility of a birth defect. Amniocentesis is a prime example, which is when a healthcare professional collects tiny amounts of fluid from the fetus for examination. This procedure can reveal chromosomal modifications and other health conditions like infections (such as rubella or Zika) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor can test the amniotic fluid, blood and the tissues of a fetus to determine if there are signs of birth defect. These tests are crucial in determining the root of birth defects. They also aid in determining the severity of a birth defect could be and the consequences it could have on a child in their adulthood.

Some birth defects might not be identified until after the birth of a child or, in rare cases, even as an adult. These problems aren't visible when they occur and are usually only detected through equipment for diagnosing. For these kinds of cases, it is crucial that the medical expert witness in question is familiar with these techniques and has the correct experience to identify such defects. A lawyer who has years of experience will be able to determine the right specialist for your case.

Hire an attorney for Medical Malpractice

If a child is born with a serious birth defect or suffers a serious birth injury, it can completely turn a family's life upside down. These injuries can lead to long-term physical and mental issues, requiring medical care for a lifetime.

Medical science could explain up to 30% of birth defect cases However, the majority of cases remain unsolved. Research has revealed that certain chemicals and substances like those in prescription or over the counter medications taken by a mother or children, harmful chemicals in the community and in homes, or contaminated groundwater and air can cause birth defects.

Doctors are required by law to analyze the medication taken by an expectant mother and inform her of any potential dangers for the foetus. If they fail in their duty, they may be held responsible for birth defects that are caused by medications.

Doctors are also required to determine the safety of any procedure or device they recommend for pregnant women. This includes x-ray machines, surgical tools, and other equipment. If a doctor is negligent in using the equipment or fails to properly calibrate the equipment, it could result in serious consequences for the baby. This is a case of malpractice. It is crucial to contact a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can in the event of this happening. In some states you have only one year to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice, so it's best to begin the process as soon as possible.

Start with the First Step

Birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality. They affect one in 33 babies every year. These issues can be life-threatening, and can result in lasting physical, cognitive and emotional difficulties. Scientists have, in some instances, identified the birth defects' causes due to exposure of the mother to prescription and non-prescription drugs and environmental toxins, maternal infections, complications during delivery and pregnancy or a family medical history or genetic diseases (like sickle cell disease PKU, also known as genetic illnesses). In the majority of cases, the reason is not known.

Certain birth defects, including hearing loss or clubfoot, are easy to spot and can be identified at birth or in the first year of a child's existence. Certain birth defects, like heart defects, intellectual and developmental disabilities require tests specific to determine the cause.

Researchers are trying determine what causes birth defects and how they can be avoided. For instance, women who smoke, drink alcohol or take illegal drugs during pregnancy increase the risk of having a baby with certain defects. Women with a history of family members that includes inherited genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor before trying to have a baby. They could also use the March of Dimes Family Health History form to gather information about medical conditions that can be traced through their families. This information should be shared with their doctor or genetic counselor.