Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and quarter minutes. These birth defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

Variations in the way cases are identified and classified could lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction and a clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with an injury or defect it can have serious health effects on the child for life. birth defect law firm defects are usually the result of a medical mistake or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In some cases, birth defects can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that are passed down through families. They can be detected through the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known origin and are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are older than 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to have a baby. This will help couples determine whether they should undergo additional testing. Newborn screening tests can identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function, or the structure of the individual. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or in early childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips or palates, or craniofacial disorders while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected by newborn screening tests, which look for certain health issues. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It's not always possible to know what caused birth defects, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or non-prescription medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are due to a physician not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical health condition. In these cases it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is diagnosed, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the defect. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal. due to missing or additional genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. These birth defects are caused by issues with the baby's organ development particularly in the initial three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be conducted during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later on in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be done through ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo an inherited test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are predisposed to a particular ailment.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Certain birth defects result from complications that happen during pregnancy, while others are linked to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are also caused by certain chemicals that are found in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Thankfully, many birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice lawyer will help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only company and take great pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on your child, you, and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, such as future and past medical expenses, lost income, punitive damages in certain instances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing their products to the market, and also warn consumers of any possible side consequences. If your child's birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.