Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and quarter minutes. These defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases could result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with a defect or injury, it can have serious health effects on the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects could be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defect is prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In some cases birth Defect attorney defects, they can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, like uterine constriction, rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen in the fetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be identified by an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of developing birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This can help couples decide if they need to undergo additional testing. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, which can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part, affecting the way that organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or during early childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips or craniofacial anomalies or palates however others are more conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected through newborn screening tests, which check for specific health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be detected by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.

It's not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect attorney defect, however it is often associated with environmental factors. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over the counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects occur because a doctor failed to take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these situations there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been diagnosed, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the problem. 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 problems are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes within cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart issues. They are typically caused by issues during the growth of the baby's organs, specifically during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be performed during pregnancy, after a person is born or later in life when symptoms begin to show. The tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.

It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while other can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy could result in birth defects. Certain birth defects could be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Many birth defect lawsuit defects can be avoided. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you comprehend the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has many years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take pride in the quality of service we offer our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, you and your entire family.

We can help you seek compensation for your losses, which could include future and past medical expenses loss of income, punitive damage in some cases and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to thoroughly test their products before putting them on market, and to inform consumers of possible adverse reactions. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication, you could start a lawsuit based on product liability with the help of a birth defects drug lawyer.