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 impact the lives of those who are affected for a lifetime.

The way that cases are classified and identified can lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with a defect or injury, it can have serious health consequences for the child's life. Birth defects can be caused by medical errors or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In certain instances birth defect lawsuits defects may be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that arise during pregnancy like uterine constraint rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These can be diagnosed with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases can be prevented or treated like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Some birth defects aren't known to have a cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital abnormalities.

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 wish to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to conceive. This can help them determine if further testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborns can be used to detect certain conditions like critical congenital defects and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function or the structure of a person. Birth defects can be spotted by a healthcare professional during pregnancy, at birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities however others are more obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for some kinds of health issues. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It isn't always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently associated with. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that can contaminate water and air in communities or a problem during pregnancy or birth. Other times, birth defects are the result of a doctor failing to take appropriate measures to stop or treat a recognizable medical problem. In these instances it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a birth defect can vary based on the severity and type. Certain defects can be corrected prior to a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.

A few of the most common disorders are chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes within cells of a person. They are usually passed down from parents. These include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart problems. They are usually caused by problems during the development of a baby's organs, specifically in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They are also able to be done later in life if symptoms begin to show. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic test for Birth defect attorneys defects to determine if they're predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

Preventing birth defect law firms defects is not always easy. Some are caused by complications that occur during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be due to chemicals that can be found in the natural 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 are an unsettling fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child suffering from a birth defect that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to speak to an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can assist you in understanding your legal options and pursue compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and are proud of the level of service that we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages including past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in certain circumstances and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and then work to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to adequately test their products prior to releasing them onto the market and to warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.