Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

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

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health consequences. Birth defects could be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defect can be avoided through the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In other instances they may result from environmental factors such as exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that happen during pregnancy such as the uterine restriction, rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases which run in families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound test or a blood test. Some of these illnesses, such as PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Certain birth defects aren't known to have a cause. They are called congenital conditions, or 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 consult an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they should undergo additional testing. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, which can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part which affects the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, birth defect lawyer like palates, lips or craniofacial anomalies, are easily visible. Others, however, are less obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct, which transports bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected by newborn screening tests which look for certain health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It's not always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often implicated. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or the Birth defect Lawyer. Sometimes birth defects could be the result of a doctor failing to take the appropriate measures to prevent or treat a recognized medical disease. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect can vary based on its severity and type. Certain defects can be corrected prior to a baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal. due to missing or additional genes in a person's cells. These are often inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart issues. They are typically caused by problems during the growth of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be performed during pregnancy, after a child is born, or birth defect lawyer later in life when the first signs begin to show. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have a genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are susceptible to a specific condition.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, while other can be linked to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are related to chemicals that can be found in the surrounding environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine birth injuries and defects are a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect lawsuit defect may be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we pride ourselves on the quality of service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages, including future and past medical expenses and lost income, as well as damages for punitive purposes in certain cases and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible result.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to test their products thoroughly before putting them on the market and warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a drug, you may make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.