Is There a Birth Defect Attorney? You might be wondering if there are legal avenues to safeguard your child's rights whether you are a grandparent or parent of a child suffering from genetically-related defects. If your child's condition is the result of an illness which was not the fault of you You may be able to pursue legal action to receive compensation for medical costs incurred by your child. Medical expenses associated with an inherited defect Every year, around 120,000 babies in the United States are born with birth defects. The majority of these problems are associated with poor outcomes, and some require medical intervention to improve the quality of life for the patient. Fortunately, some of these conditions can be treated or prevented in an affordable manner. Early detection and referral could aid in reducing the frequency of these disorders and improve outcomes. However, babies with birth defects may also require ongoing support from the family, community and health professionals. Using NIS data we estimated that cost of the medical expenses associated with a birth defect exceeds $2.5 billion annually in the U.S. This estimation was based on the utilization of several diagnostic and treatment codes. We found that hospitalizations with cardiovascular defects were the most expensive. They accounted for 26.6 percent of the total costs. This was particularly relevant for patients younger than one year old. Despite these results however, there was no evidence to suggest that one particular treatment or department was more likely to be utilized for a birth defect-related hospitalization. The best case scenario was that doctors could estimate their charges. This can account for 20 to 25% of the actual cost of a hospitalization. It was not possible to determine the exact cost of hospitalization due to a birth defect. However, the most important aspect was how accurate was the cost of birth defect-related hospitalizations in the United States? To answer this question, we performed an analysis of the statistical data. We examined the primary ICD-9-CM, secondary, and combined diagnoses and treatment codes for birth defects. Additionally, we looked at the associated costs. The analysis was published in the April 2004 issue JAMA as part of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. The most accurate estimate was derived from a combination of the primary and secondary ICD-9-CM code sets. In addition to the above information We also used Medicare data to estimate the total cost of a birth defect-related hospitalization. The total estimated cost was $22,946,158.457. The cost of hospitalization due to birth defects was 5.2% of all hospital expenses in the United States. This figure is substantially higher than the estimates derived using the primary and second ICD-9-CM codes. Since the mid-1990s the CDC has been compiling data on birth defects and has published a series of reports on these subjects. These analyses are freely available to the general public. These findings aid in educating researchers, policy makers, and the general public about the effect of birth defects on the health system. They can be used to encourage doctors and other care providers to provide prompt and appropriate care to patients with these ailments. Common birth defects that can affect the heart, brain and limbs There are many common birth defects that can arise during pregnancy. These defects can affect the development of the child and may have serious implications for his or her health. Some are easily identified while others are more difficult to spot. However, there are methods to prevent and treat these issues and improve the quality of life for the child. Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are one of the most common types of birth defects. These conditions can affect the brain, heart and legs. These disorders can lead to shortness of breath, wheezing and even death. If not properly diagnosed and treated, they can result in severe complications for the infant. Birth defects are typically identified during the first year of a child's life. Some can be detected before birth while others can later be identified. Some can be treated surgically or by other medical interventions. In certain cases the child might require assistance from family members and the community for an extended time. The condition of the child will determine the treatment options available. It is also possible that they differ in different countries. There are many reasons that can cause birth defects, including genetics and environmental pollutants. They can also be prevented by taking care of the baby during and after pregnancy. Some birth defects are easily detected using ultrasound technology or blood tests. While these tests are generally not effective in removing birth defects, they can help prepare parents for their baby's health issues. Certain birth defects can be avoided by taking folic acid and Iodine. Some of the most frequent birth defects are present in the initial three months of pregnancy. These include neural tube defects that affect the brain and spinal cord, and limb deformities. These are the most serious kinds of birth defects. Cleft palate and cleft lip can be detected at this point. Although some of these conditions are easily detected by an ultrasound technician an ophthalmologist, others are more difficult to detect. The most severe birth defects are typically neural tube defects. These defects are also referred to by the term NTDs. In certain cases, the child is born with a hole in the head or the lungs. These defects can lead to respiratory infections, such as tracheoesophageal fistula. Esophageal atresia , another birth defect that can cause breathing issues. This defect may also cause problems with feeding and health problems. A club foot is a second kind of birth defect. This is a birth defect where the fetus's legs are not formed correctly. It can be treated in the uterus or by a specialist in orthopedics or Urology. In some instances doctors may use wheelchairs or braces in order to correct the leg. You can initiate legal action to get compensation for your child's birth defect It's a great method to help pay for the expenses of caring for your child and to seek legal action to recover the compensation you owe for your child's defects. Although birth defects aren't common and are not uncommon, advances in medical science have made it easier to decrease the risk of childbirth. You may be entitled to compensation in the event that your child was born with an abnormal birth defect. Birth abnormalities can be caused due to various causes. These abnormalities may be caused by environmental factors. The likelihood of a birth defect can be increased by chemicals present in the environment, like at home or at work. However generally, a birth defect is not caused by a harmful environment. Birth defects can be mild or life-threatening. Some are easy to identify and can be corrected but others are more difficult to detect and treat. Birth defects can be caused by a medical practitioner making a mistake during delivery or prescribing dangerous medications to the foetus. Although it is possible to make a claim for medical malpractice against your baby due to a birth defect, it can be difficult to prove that the doctor was at fault. The best way to judge a medical malpractice case is to ask the appropriate questions. Specifically, it is important to comprehend what the most crucial claim is. A minor medical error could cause a huge difference in your child's health. You should also be aware that it's not always simple to prove a claim, and you may have to make concessions to get less than what you are entitled to. The best way to proceed is to find an experienced attorney who can guide you through the legal procedure. In this type of legal procedure, the objective is to present the jury with medical evidence that can support the claim. The medical jargon-filled process involves a thorough examination of the child's medical history and the medical records of the doctor. You may be required witness testimony about the child’s birth defect. You might also be asked to make a statement on the medical event that is most likely to have caused the baby's birth defect. A birth defect lawsuit is an emotional and complex process for both the plaintiff and the defendant. It is essential to work with an experienced lawyer handling your case in birth defect cases. Your lawyer will relieve the burden of litigation off of you and your family, while helping you understand the complexities of the law. A trusted law firm will offer an initial consultation for free when you have a child with an acquired defect.