Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of the affected.

Variations in the way cases are identified and classified could lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system can include active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and a clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can cause long-term health issues. Birth defects are often the result of a medical mistake or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and birth defect Attorneys good nutrition. In other instances they may be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, including the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be identified with a blood test or ultrasound. Certain illnesses are treatable or preventable by a doctor, for example PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects are not known to have a cause. They are called congenital disorders, also known as congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of developing birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic disorders may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they require additional testing. Screening tests for newborns are able 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 affects the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be identified by a healthcare professional during pregnancy, at birth or even in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, are visible. Other birth defects, however, aren't as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that transports an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests, which look for certain health problems. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. A doctor can detect certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It's not always possible to determine the cause of the birth defect, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes birth defects could be caused by a medical professional failing to take the appropriate measures to stop or treat a recognizable medical disease. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been diagnosed, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the condition. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery following the birth of the baby.

The most frequent birth Defect attorneys defects are chromosomal. due to missing or additional genes in a person's cells. They are typically inherited from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart issues. These birth defects are caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life, if symptoms begin to show. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds and blood tests. The patient can also undergo an inherited test for birth defects to determine whether they are prone to a particular ailment.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Certain birth defects result from complications that arise during pregnancy, whereas others can be linked to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could result in birth defects. Certain birth defects may be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in settling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we are proud on the exceptional service we offer to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue damages, which include past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in certain circumstances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.

Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them onto the market, and inform consumers about any potential side negative effects. If your child's birth defects resulted from a drug, you can start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.