Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These birth defects can have a lasting impact 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 employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could have long-term health effects. Birth defects could be caused by medical errors or birth defect lawyers negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In some instances birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen in the fetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be identified by the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Other birth defects have no known origin and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or birth defect lawyers congenital disorders.

Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of developing birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illnesses may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help them determine if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function or the structure of the individual. Birth defects can be identified by a medical professional during the pregnancy process, at birth, or even in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial irregularities are apparent. Others are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be detected through newborn screening tests that check for certain types of health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can easily be identified by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It isn't always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently involved. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or birth. Other times, birth defects are due to a physician not taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

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

Most of the most prevalent issues are chromosomal. These are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes that are present in cells of a person. These are often inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. They are usually caused by problems with the growth of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy, or following birth. They can also be done later on in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds and blood tests. One can undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some birth defect lawsuits defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while other can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy could lead to birth defect lawsuits defects. Some birth defects can also be linked to certain chemicals that are present in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in handling cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice, and we take pride on the quality of service we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and work hard to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the public, and they must inform customers about any possible side consequences. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may file a product-liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.