Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and a quarter minutes. These birth defects can impact the lives of those who are affected for a lifetime.

The way that cases are classified and identified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and a clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health effects. Birth defects are often the result of a medical mistake or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects is prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In other cases they could be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can result from complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that run in families. These are easily identified through tests for blood or [Redirect Only] an ultrasound. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Some birth defects are not identified as a cause. They are known as congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities are at an increased chance of having islamorada birth defect attorney defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may wish to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to have a baby. This will help couples determine whether they should undergo further tests. Screening tests for newborns can be used to determine certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A breaux bridge birth defect lawsuit defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial abnormalities, are apparent. Other birth defects, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports the bile to the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be identified by newborn screening tests that look for a variety of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also looks for certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be detected by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.

It may not always be possible to know what caused birth defects, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects occur due to a medical professional failing to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat an existing medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

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

The most frequent batesville birth Defect law firm defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person's cells. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart issues. These defects are caused by problems with the organ development of the baby, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They are also able to be done later on in life when symptoms begin to manifest. These tests are conducted via ultrasounds and blood tests. The patient can also undergo genetic tests for birth defects to determine whether they are prone to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some are due to issues that occur during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Some birth defects can be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical science, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Fortunately many birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the high level of service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

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

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to test their products thoroughly before putting them on market, and to inform consumers of possible adverse reactions. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a drug you could make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.