Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

Variations in the way cases are identified and classified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with a defect or injury, it can cause serious health issues for the child's future. birth defect law firm defects are usually caused by medical error or negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects is prevented by the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In other instances they could be the result of environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy, including the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects result from genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These can be identified with 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 recognized to be the cause. They are called congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to conceive. This will aid them in determining if further testing is required. Newborn screening tests can identify certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which affects the way organs function or the structure of the body. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial abnormalities, are obvious. Other birth defects, however, are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries bile to the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are diagnosed through newborn screening tests that check for certain types of health problems. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. Certain Birth defect attorneys defects can be detected by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the type of defect.

It's not always certain what caused birth defects, but it is often associated with environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating air and water in communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor did not make the necessary steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these instances it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

If a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention after the baby's birth.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They usually come from parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lip or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. These are typically caused by problems during the growth of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later on in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be done via ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take genetic tests for birth defects in order to determine whether they are susceptible to a particular condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that can occur during pregnancy, while other are linked to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be linked to chemicals found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects continue to be a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience dealing with wrongful birth cases. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take great pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, you and your family.

We can help you obtain compensation for any damages, including past and future medical costs and lost income, as well as punitive damages in certain instances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and work hard to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market and to warn consumers of the potential adverse effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect lawsuits defect drug lawyer.