Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and a half minutes, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

Different classifications and identifications of cases could result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If a baby is born with an injury or defect it could cause serious health problems for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects are usually caused by an error in medicine or a mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In certain instances birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can result from complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture the amniotic fluid sac or a lack oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases that run in families. They can be identified by the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Certain birth defect lawyer defects aren't known to be the cause. They are known as congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases may wish to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to have a baby. This will help couples determine whether they'll need further testing. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions, like congenital defects 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 alter organ function or the structure of the individual. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious, like cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders, while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for specific health problems. PKU, Birth Defect Lawyers congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.

It may not always be certain what caused the birth defect, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This can include exposure to prescription or non-prescription drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Other times birth defects could be caused by a medical professional failing to take the appropriate measures to stop or treat a recognizable medical disease. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been identified, birth defect lawyers the options for treatment differ depending on the nature and severity of the defect. Certain birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others might require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

The most frequent defects are chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes in a person’s cells. They are usually passed down from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lip or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. They are typically caused by issues during the development of a baby's body organs, especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life, if symptoms start to appear. These tests can be conducted via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person may also undergo an inherited test for birth defects to determine whether they are prone to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, whereas others can be linked to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are also 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 medical science, birth injuries and defects are an unfortunate fact. Thankfully most birth defects are preventable. If you have a child that has a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is crucial to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll help you get rid of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, yourself, and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for losses, including past and future medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on market and to warn consumers of the potential adverse effects. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication you may be able to start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.