Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These birth defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and identifications of cases can lead to an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects are usually the result of medical error or doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In other cases they may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. birth defect law firm defects can also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy such as constriction of the uterus rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be identified by a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses, such as PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known reason and are classified as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic disorders might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This can help couples determine if they need to undergo further tests. Screening tests for newborns can be used to identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or even during early childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable such as cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities, while others are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect attorneys defects are detected through newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain 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 can also detect certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be detected by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.

It's not always easy to determine the root of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually associated with. This can be due to exposure to prescription or non-prescription medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects arise due to a medical professional failing to take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these situations it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

If a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some can be corrected before the baby is born while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.

Some of the most common issues are the chromosomal. These are caused by extra or missing genes in the cells of a person. They usually come from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These problems are caused by problems with the baby's organ development particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born or later in life, when symptoms begin to appear. These tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are caused by issues that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to specific environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Certain birth defects could be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical science, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Thankfully, many birth defects are preventable. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has many years of experience dealing with cases of birth defects that are not correct. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we pride ourselves on the quality of service we offer to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, including future and past medical expenses and lost income, as well as punitive damages in certain instances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and then work to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug makers are required to test their products thoroughly before putting them on the market, and to inform consumers of the potential adverse effects. If your child's birth defect was caused by a drug you may be able to make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.