Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and a quarter minutes. These birth defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of the 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 incorporates active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with an injury or defect it can cause serious health problems for the child for life. Birth defects are often the result of medical error or negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be prevented by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In some instances, birth defects can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can result from complications during pregnancy, including uterine constriction, rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be detected through the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Certain of these diseases are treatable or preventable with the help of a specialist, such as PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no cause and are known as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities are at a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic illnesses might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they'll need further tests. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

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. Birth defects are often detected by a doctor during pregnancy, during birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, such as palates, lips, or craniofacial abnormalities, are apparent. Others are not as obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be identified by newborn screening tests that check for specific health issues. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified 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 through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It's not always easy to determine the root of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often involved. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute air and water in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or Birth Defect Law Firms. Sometimes birth defects can be caused by a doctor not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical problem. In these cases medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect differ based on the severity and nature of the defect. Some defects can be addressed before the baby is born while others might require surgery or other medical procedures following the birth of the child.

A few of the most common issues are chromosomal. These are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes that are present in cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart issues. These defects are caused due to problems with the baby's organ development, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They can also be done later in life if symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds and blood tests. The patient can also undergo genetic tests for birth defects in order to determine if they are predisposed to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defect lawsuits defects isn't always easy. Some are due to issues that occur during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the use of tobacco, birth defect law firms alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects could be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science birth injuries and defects persist as a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and Birth defect law firms knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take pride in the quality of service we provide to our clients. We'll help you get rid of the burden so that you can focus on yourself, your child, and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, including the future and past medical costs and lost income, as well as damages for punitive purposes in certain cases and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible outcome.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to test their products thoroughly before putting them on market and warn consumers of the potential adverse effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.