Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects can affect the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

The way that cases are classified and identified can result in an over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and a clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health effects. Birth defects are often caused by an error in medical care or Birth defect attorney a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defect can be avoided through the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In other instances, they can be the result of environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects are also caused by complications that occur during pregnancy like the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These can be diagnosed with a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Some birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are called congenital disorders, or congenital abnormalities.

Women who are older than 30 and of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counselor before trying to get pregnant. This can aid them in determining if further testing is needed. Newborn screening tests can identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which affects the way organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be spotted by a healthcare professional during the pregnancy process, at birth, or in the early stages of childhood. Certain birth Defect attorney defects, like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial abnormalities, are easily visible. Some, however, aren't as obvious as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct which carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests which look for certain health problems. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It isn't always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually involved. These include exposure to prescription or over the counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or birth defect lawsuit. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor did not take the proper steps to prevent or treat an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these situations the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been diagnosed, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the issue. Some of them can be fixed before a baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth of the child.

Most of the most prevalent disorders are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes in the cells of a person. They are usually passed down from parents. These include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart issues. These are typically caused by issues with the growth of the baby's body organs, especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy, or following birth. They are also able to be done later in life if symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take an genetic test for birth defects to see if they are predisposed to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some are due to complications that arise during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy may result in birth defects. Some birth defects are also linked to certain chemicals that are present in the surrounding environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Fortunately the majority of birth defects are preventable. If you have a child suffering from a birth defect that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to talk to an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take pride in the level of service that 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 assist you in pursuing damages, which include future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.

Drug makers are required to thoroughly 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 prescription drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defect lawyer.