Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These birth defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of those affected.

Different classifications and types of cases can result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with a defect, injury or other it could cause serious health problems for the child for life. Birth defects can be caused by medical errors or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be avoided by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In some instances birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can result from complications in pregnancy, such as uterine constriction, rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that run in families. They can be detected with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases can be prevented or treated, such as PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are known as congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.

Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases might consider consulting a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This will help them determine if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns are able to identify certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function or the structure of the individual. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious like cleft lips, craniofacial anomalies or palates however others are more obvious, such as congenital heart disease and Vimeo.com biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many indianola birth defect lawsuit defect conditions are detected through newborn screening tests that check for certain types of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It's not always possible to know what caused the birth defect, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects arise due to a medical professional failing to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these situations the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a birth defect are based on the severity and nature of the defect. Certain defects can be corrected prior to a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the baby is born.

Some of the most common problems are the chromosomal. These are caused by extra or missing genes within cells of a person. They usually come from the parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. They are typically caused by problems during the development of the baby's organs, specifically during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a person is born or later in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some birth defects result from complications that occur during pregnancy, whereas other can be linked to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are also linked to certain chemicals that are found in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a devastating reality. Thankfully the majority of birth defects are preventable. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can help you comprehend the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take great pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on yourself, your child, and your family.

We can assist you in obtaining compensation for your losses, which could include future and past medical expenses, lost income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and will work tirelessly to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and inform consumers of any possible side negative effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, you may file a product-liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.