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 who are affected for a lifetime.

Different classifications and identifiers of cases could result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with a defect, injury or other it could cause serious health issues for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects are usually the result of a medical mistake or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented by taking care of your baby and eating well. In other cases they could result from environmental factors such as exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, such as uterine constriction, rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.

Some birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that run in families. These can be diagnosed with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Certain birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders, or congenital abnormalities.

Women who are over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples with the same genetic disorders may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to conceive. This can help them determine if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns can be used to identify certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body which affects the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be identified by a medical professional during pregnancy, before birth defect Law firms or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial irregularities are easily visible. Some, however, aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that transports an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for specific health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can easily be identified by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the condition.

It's not always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually implicated. 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 the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor did not make the necessary steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these cases the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect vary depending on its severity and type. Certain birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person's cells. They are usually passed down from parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart problems. These are usually caused by issues with the growth of the baby's organs, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be done during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later in life when the first signs begin to show. These tests can be done via ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are due to complications that happen during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may cause birth defects. Certain birth defects may be attributed to chemicals that are present 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 medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a devastating reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has 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 quality of service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

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

Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market, and also warn consumers about any potential side consequences. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect lawyer.