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 can have a lasting effect on the lives of those affected.

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

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health effects. Birth defects can result from an error in medicine or the negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defect is prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In other instances, they can result from environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack of oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be detected by the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Some of these ailments are treatable or preventable with the help of a specialist, such as PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are called congenital conditions, or congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to have a baby. This can help couples decide whether they require additional testing. Newborn screening tests can identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, which can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body, affecting the way that organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious, like cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates, while others are less conspicuous such as 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 check for specific health issues. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also looks for certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can easily be identified by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of birth defects, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute air and water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects occur due to a medical professional failing to take the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect lawsuits defect differ based on the severity and type of birth defect. Some can be corrected before the baby is born while others may require surgery or other medical procedures after the baby is born.

Many of the most common 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. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lips or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. These defects are caused by issues with the development of organs in the baby particularly in the initial three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defect Law Firms defects can be done during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born or later in life when symptoms begin to appear. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo an inherited test for birth defects in order to determine if they are predisposed to a particular ailment.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, whereas other can be traced to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Certain birth defects are related to chemicals that are found in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the latest advances in medicine birth injuries and defects are a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child that has an issue with their birth that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is essential to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate will help you understand the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. We are a plaintiffs-only company and take great pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages, including past and future medical costs and lost income, as well as damages for punitive in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and then work to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to adequately test their products prior to releasing them onto the market and to inform consumers of the potential adverse effects. If your child's birth defects resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect lawyer.