Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Differences in how cases are classified and identified can result in over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects are usually caused by an error in medicine or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In certain instances birth defects, they can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may be the result of complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack oxygen to the foetus.

Some birth defects result from genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These are easily identified through tests for blood or an ultrasound. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are known as congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having certain birth defect lawsuit defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic disorders may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to have a baby. This can help couples decide whether they should undergo further testing. Screening tests for newborns are able to identify certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part which affects the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth Defect law firms defects can be spotted by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, during birth or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial irregularities are obvious. Some, however, aren't as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries bile to the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be identified by newborn screening tests that look for certain types of health problems. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also looks for certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It's not always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently involved. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects occur because a doctor failed to take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent the occurrence of a medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is identified, the options for treatment differ depending on the nature and severity of the defect. Certain defects can be corrected prior to the baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical procedures following the birth of the child.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person's cells. These are often inherited from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. These defects are caused due to issues with the baby's organ development particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy or after birth. They may also be conducted later on in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have an genetic test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are predisposed to a particular condition.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some birth defects are caused by complications that can occur during pregnancy, whereas other can be traced to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are also caused by certain chemicals that can be found in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth injuries and defects remain an unfortunate fact. Fortunately the majority of birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling cases involving wrongful births. We are a plaintiffs-only company and are proud of the level of service that we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

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

Drug makers are required to test their products thoroughly prior to releasing them onto the market and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you can start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.