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 impact the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

Differences in how cases are identified and classified can lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects can result from medical errors or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be avoided through taking care of your baby and eating well. In some instances birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can result from complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus, rupture amniotic fluid's sac or a lack of oxygen to the foetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that run in families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound or blood test. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects are not recognized to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic disorders might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This will help them determine if additional tests are required. Newborn screening tests can identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial irregularities are visible. Other birth defects, however, aren't as obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified through newborn screening tests, that look for specific health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It's not always certain what caused birth defects, but it is usually linked 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 occur during pregnancy or during delivery. Other times birth defects may be caused by a medical professional not taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat a known medical health condition. In these cases medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a birth defect vary depending on the severity and type of birth defect. Certain birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention after the baby is born.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. resulting from missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are often inherited from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart issues. These are usually caused by issues during the development of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They can also be performed later on in life when symptoms begin to manifest. The tests can be conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, while others can be traced to certain environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain mccomb birth defect lawsuit defects may be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides and 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 are still a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling wrongful birth claims. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take great pride in the quality of service we provide our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for losses, including past and future medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages when necessary as well as emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them to the public, and they must inform consumers about any potential side effects. If the titusville birth defect law firm defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a Texas Birth Defect Attorney defect drug lawyer.