Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can alter the lives of those affected for a lifetime.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain subtypes 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 a defect, injury or other it could have serious health consequences for the child for life. Birth defects are usually caused by medical error or doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other instances they may result from environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications in pregnancy, such as uterine constriction, rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These are easily identified through a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these ailments, such as PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are called congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities have a higher chance of developing birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic disorders might consider consulting a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This can aid them in determining if further testing is required. Newborn screening tests can identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated immediately.

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 the person. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or even during early childhood. Some birth defects, such as cleft lips, Birth defect Attorney palates or craniofacial defects, are easily visible. Other birth defects, however, aren't as obvious as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that transports the bile to the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are diagnosed through newborn screening tests that check for certain types of health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also checks for birth defect attorney certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Some birth defect attorney (view Ivimall) defects can easily be identified by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the condition.

It's not always easy to determine the root of a birth defect. However the environment is often implicated. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or delivery. Other times, birth defects are due to a physician failing to take the appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical problem. In these instances the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the defect. Some defects can be addressed before the baby is born while others may require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth defect attorneys of the child.

Some of the most common problems are the chromosomal. These are caused by extra or missing genes in a person’s cells. These are often inherited from parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found as well as neural tube defects and heart issues. These defects are caused due to issues with the development of the baby's organs particularly during the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They are also able to be done later in life if signs begin to show. These tests can be carried out via 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 condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are caused by issues that occur during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced to certain environmental elements. birth defect law firm defects can be caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are also related to chemicals that are present in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine birth injuries and defects are an unsettling fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child suffering from a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to speak to an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you comprehend your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling wrongful birth claims. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take pride in the quality of service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking 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 research your case and will work tirelessly to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them onto the market, and inform consumers about any possible adverse effects. If your child's birth defects resulted from a drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.