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.

Different ways in which cases are classified and identified can lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. 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 may have long-term health consequences. Birth defects are usually the result of medical error or medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects is prevented by the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In other instances they may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Germantown birth defect law firm defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack oxygen to the foetus.

Some birth defects result from genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be identified with a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these ailments, such as PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Some birth defects are not recognized to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders, also known as congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities have an increased risk of developing certain 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 can help them determine if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns can be used to detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body, affecting the way that organs function or the structure of the body. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, are apparent. Others, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests that look for specific health issues. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It is not always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often implicated. This could include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a physician failed to take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat an existing medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is diagnosed, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from the parents. Structural defects include cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart issues. They are typically caused by problems during the growth of the baby's organs, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to appear. These tests can be performed via 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 is not always straightforward. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while others can be traced to environmental factors. malvern birth defect attorney defects are often caused by the use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are also due to chemicals that can be found in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical technology, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Thankfully, many birth defects are preventable. If you have a child with a birth defect that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an experienced lawyer as quickly as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate will help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice and we are proud on the quality of service we offer to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue damages, which include past and future medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in some instances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible outcome.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market and to warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If, however, your child's birth defect was caused by a drug, you could start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.