Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Different classifications and identifications of cases can lead to an under- or overestimated number 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

A baby born with a defect or injury can cause long-term health issues. Birth defects could be caused by medical errors or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be avoided through proper nutrition and prenatal care. In other instances they may result from environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can result from complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These are easily identified through a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects are not recognized to be the cause. They are called congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and of certain ethnicities are at an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may wish to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to conceive. This can help couples decide whether they'll need additional tests. Newborn screening tests can identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects and 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 alter the way organs function, Birth defect lawyers or the structure of the person. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or in early childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies however others are more noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be detected through newborn screening tests which look for a variety of health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also looks for certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It isn't always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently involved. This could include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a physician failed to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat an existing medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect can vary based on the severity and type of birth defect. Certain defects can be corrected prior to a baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical procedures following the birth of the child.

The most frequent disorders are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes in a person’s cells. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips or neural tube defects as well as heart problems. These are usually caused by problems during the development of the baby's body organs, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They can also be done later in life if symptoms begin to manifest. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo an inherited test for birth defect Lawyers birth defects in order to determine whether they are predisposed to a particular ailment.

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some are caused by complications that arise during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to certain environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are also due to chemicals that are present in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Fortunately, many birth defects are preventable. If you have a child suffering from an anomaly in the birth process that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to speak to an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers (http://starmap.Com/) have years of experience in handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take great pride in the level of service that we provide to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek damages, which include future and past medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and work diligently to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing their products to the market, and warn consumers about any possible adverse negative effects. If, however your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you could bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.