Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a 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.

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

Causes

If the baby is born with an injury or defect it could have serious health effects on the child's life. birth defect Attorneys defects can be caused by medical errors or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

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

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in 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. Certain birth defects aren't recognized to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital conditions, or congenital abnormalities.

Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic disorders may want to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to get pregnant. This can help them determine if additional testing is needed. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function, or the structure of the individual. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, such as palates, lips, or craniofacial abnormalities, are easily visible. Some, however, aren't as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct which carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be identified through newborn screening tests that check for specific health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be detected by a medical professional via ultrasounds and birth defect attorneys blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the condition.

It isn't always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually involved. This could include exposure to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate air and water in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes birth defects may be due to a physician not taking the proper steps to stop or treat a recognizable medical condition. In these situations, a claim for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect are based on the severity and type of birth defect. Some birth defect lawsuits defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

A few of the most common disorders are chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes that are present in cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused due to issues with the development of organs in the baby particularly during the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be conducted during pregnancy, after a person is born or later in life when symptoms start to appear. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds and blood tests. One can also take genetic tests for birth defects to determine whether they are predisposed to a specific condition.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some are due to issues that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be 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 recent advances in medicine birth injuries and birth defect attorneys defects persist as a tragic reality. Thankfully many birth defects are preventable. If you have a child who has an issue with their birth that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is crucial to consult an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate 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 skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we pride ourselves on the excellent service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for your losses, which could include future and past medical expenses and lost income, as well as damages for punitive purposes in certain cases and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them to the market, and also warn consumers about any potential side consequences. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect lawyer.