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 birth defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

Variations in the way cases are classified and identified could lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction and a clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with a defect or injury, it can cause serious health problems for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects can result from medical errors or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be avoided by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In other cases they could be the result of environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus or rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a lack of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects result from genetic disorders that run in families. These can be identified with the use of a blood test 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 be the cause. They are called congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic disorders might want to talk to a genetic counselor before trying to get pregnant. This can help them determine if additional testing is necessary. Newborn screening tests are able to identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function or the structure of the individual. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial abnormalities, are visible. Some, however, aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for certain health problems. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It is not always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently associated with. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate air and water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes birth defects could be the result of a doctor failing to take the appropriate measures to prevent or treat a recognized medical problem. In these cases the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

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

Some of the most common Birth Defect Attorneys defects are chromosomal, caused by missing or extra genes in a person's cells. They usually come from parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found and neural tube defects and heart problems. They are usually caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life if symptoms begin to show. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take genetic tests for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some birth defects result from complications that occur during pregnancy, while other are linked to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be due to chemicals that are present in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the latest advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects are a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child with a birth defect that may be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's essential to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in settling the claims of wrongful birth defect law firms. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the exceptional service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for any damages, including the future and past medical costs and lost income, as well as punitive damage in some cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible result.

Drug makers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them onto the market, and inform consumers about any potential side consequences. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a drug you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.