Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and a half minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can alter the lives of those affected for a lifetime.

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

Causes

If a baby is born with a defect or injury it could cause serious health problems for the child's future. Birth defects are often the result of an error in medical care or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

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

Some birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be detected through a blood test or ultrasound. Certain illnesses can be treated or prevented with the help of a specialist, such as PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Certain birth defects aren't known to have a cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This will help them determine if additional tests are required. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that are treatable immediately.

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 the person. Birth defects can be identified by a medical professional during pregnancy, at birth or in early childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious, like cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates, while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are detected through newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Some birth defect lawsuit defects can be detected by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that can contaminate the air and water of communities or a problem during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects occur because a physician failed to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these cases it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect law firms defect is discovered, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the problem. Some of them can be fixed before the baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. These include cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused due to problems with the development of the baby's organs especially in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy, or after birth defect attorneys (visit the following website page). They can also be performed later in life if symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have genetic tests for birth defects to see if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some are due to complications that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. Birth defects are often caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be due to chemicals that can be found in the natural environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine, birth injuries and defects remain an unsettling fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child with a birth defect that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to speak to an experienced lawyer as soon as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take pride in the quality of service we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for your losses, which could include future and past medical expenses, lost income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.

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