Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Variations in the way cases are classified and identified can result in the over- or under-ascertainment 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 could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects could be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In certain instances birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy like the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac or birth defect attorneys the lack of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be detected through a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no cause and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of developing birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illnesses might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they require additional testing. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect law firms defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, at birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable such as cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates, while others are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for specific health issues. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It's not always certain what caused birth Defect attorneys defects, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating air and water in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a physician failed to take the proper steps to treat or prevent the occurrence of a medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect can vary based on the severity and type of birth defect. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical intervention or surgery following the birth defect lawsuits of the baby.

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal, resulting from missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They usually come from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart issues. They are typically caused by issues with the development of a baby's organs, specifically during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later in life when the first signs begin to appear. These tests are conducted via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person can also have an genetic test for birth defects to see if they are predisposed to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are caused by certain 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 advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects are an unsettling fact. Fortunately, many birth defects can be avoided. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can assist you in understanding your legal options and seek compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling the claims of wrongful birth. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we pride ourselves on the quality of service we offer to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, including the future and past medical costs loss of income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing their products to the public, and they must inform customers about any possible side consequences. If, however, your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defects drug lawyer.