Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and a half minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of the affected.

Different ways in which cases are classified and identified can result in an over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. 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 a defect or injury can be ill-health for a long time. Birth Defect attorney defects can result from an error in medicine or the negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other instances, they can result from environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen in the foetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These can be diagnosed with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Certain birth defects aren't known to have a cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk for some birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases may wish to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they'll need additional testing. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect organ function or the structure of a person. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious like cleft lips or craniofacial abnormalities while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are detected through newborn screening tests which look for certain health issues. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the condition.

It's not always easy to determine the source of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently implicated. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or during delivery. Other times birth defects may be caused by a medical professional failing to take the appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical disease. In these cases it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the condition. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention following the birth of the baby.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, due to missing or additional genes in a person's cells. These are typically passed down from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart problems. These problems are caused by issues with the development of organs in the baby especially in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be done during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later in life, when symptoms begin to appear. These tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take an genetic test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a particular ailment.

It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some are caused by complications that happen during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could cause birth defects. Certain birth defects could be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science birth defect attorney injuries and defects remain an unsettling fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can assist you in understanding your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in settling legal claims involving birth defect attorneys defects that are wrongful. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service we provide to our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can concentrate on yourself, your child and your entire family.

We can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages including past and future medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in some instances, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them to the public, and they must inform consumers of any possible side negative effects. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug, you could make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.