Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These defects can alter the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases can result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case assessment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects are often caused by medical error or doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In certain instances birth defects can be caused lauderdale by the sea birth defect attorney environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that arise during pregnancy such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac or the lack of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no cause and are known as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women who are older than 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illness might consider consulting a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they'll need additional testing. Newborn screening tests can identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function, or the structure of the person. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born, or even during early childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious such as cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities and others are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be identified by newborn screening tests which look for certain types of health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.

It's not always certain what caused a birth defect, however it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor did not take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent a known medical condition. In these instances there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect differ based on the severity and type. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require medical or surgical intervention after the baby is born.

The most frequent problems are the chromosomal. They are caused by missing or excess genes within cells of a person. They are typically inherited from the parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found and neural tube defects and heart issues. These birth defects are caused by problems with the baby's organ development, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later in life, if symptoms begin to show. These tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an inherited test for birth defects in order to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some are caused by complications that arise during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Some union city birth Defect law firm defects are caused by certain chemicals that are found in the surrounding environment, including pesticides and Union City Birth Defect Law Firm herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the latest advances in medicine birth injuries and defects remain an unsettling fact. Thankfully, many birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate will help you understand the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling the claims of wrongful birth. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice, and we take pride on the high level of service we offer to our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, yourself and your entire family.

We can help you pursue compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages in some instances and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and also warn consumers of any possible side negative effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.