Birth Defects and birth defect lawyer Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Variations in the way cases are identified and classified can result in the over- or under-ascertainment certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system includes active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect may be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects could be caused by a medical error or negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In some instances birth defects may be caused through environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy like constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These can be diagnosed with a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain illnesses are treatable or preventable by a doctor, for example PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Certain birth defects aren't known to have a cause. They are known as congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.

Women who are older than 30 and of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic illnesses might consider consulting a genetic counselor before trying to get pregnant. This will help them determine if further testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function or the structure of the individual. Birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, before birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects, like palates, https://able.extralifestudios.com/wiki/index.php/Don_t_Buy_Into_These_%22Trends%22_About_Birth_Defect_Law lips or craniofacial anomalies, are easily visible. Others aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected by newborn screening tests which check for specific health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription or non-prescription medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water of communities or a problem during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes birth defects can be caused by a medical professional not taking the proper steps to avoid or treat a medical disease. In these instances it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the issue. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby's birth.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from the parents. Structural defects include cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart problems. These are typically caused by problems during the development of the baby's body organs, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They can also be done later in life if symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed towards a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are caused by issues that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced to certain environmental elements. Birth defects may be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are caused by certain chemicals that can be found in the environment, such as herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer will 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 in handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the exceptional service we provide to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on your child, you and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages including past and future medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them onto the public, and they must inform consumers of any possible side consequences. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a drug you could file a product liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.