Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can alter the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified can lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with a defect or injury it can cause serious health issues for the child for life. Birth defects can be caused by medical negligence or a mistake of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects is prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In other cases they may be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus rupture of the amniotic sac, or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These can be diagnosed with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases can be prevented or treated, such as PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects are not identified as a cause. They are referred to as congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 and those of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic illness might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This will help them determine if additional testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body, affecting the way that organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or jeromebaray.com during the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious, like cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders, while others are less conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are detected by newborn screening tests that look for specific health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. Some birth defect lawsuit defects can be detected by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.

It's not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor failed to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat an existing medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been recognized, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the defect. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require medical or surgical intervention following the birth of the baby.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. due to missing or additional genes in a person's cells. They are typically inherited from the parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. These defects are caused due to problems with the development of the baby's organs, kchurchofchrist.com particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later on in life when symptoms start to appear. The tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an inherited test for birth defects in order to determine if they are predisposed to a particular ailment.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defect attorneys defects. Some are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to certain environmental elements. Birth defects may be caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite the latest advances in medicine birth injuries and defects continue to be a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child that has a birth defect that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling wrongful birth claims. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice and we pride ourselves on the exceptional service we offer to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages such as future and past medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages, in some cases and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and will work tirelessly to achieve the best result for your family.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them to the market, and warn consumers about any potential side consequences. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a drug, you can make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.