Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Different classifications and identifications of cases can result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could have long-term health effects. Birth defects can result from an error in medicine or the negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented through proper nutrition and prenatal care. In some instances birth defects, Birth defect Law firms they can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a lack oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects result from genetic disorders which run in families. These are easily detected with a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Certain birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are called congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.

Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having birth defect law firms defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counselor before trying to become pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they'll need additional tests. Screening tests for newborns can be used to detect certain conditions such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body, affecting the way that organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or in early childhood. Some birth defect lawsuits defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial defects, are obvious. Other birth defects, however, aren't as obvious as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be detected through newborn screening tests which look for specific health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also looks for certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Some Birth defect law firms defects can be detected by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It may not always be possible to know what caused birth defects, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or during delivery. Other times birth defects may be caused by a doctor failing to take appropriate measures to stop or treat a recognizable medical problem. In these cases, a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the defect. Certain birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention after the baby is born.

Some of the most common issues are chromosomal. They are caused by missing or extra genes that are present in cells of a person. These are usually inherited from the parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart issues. These are usually caused by issues during the growth of the baby's organs, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life if signs begin to show. These tests can be done through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take an inherited test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are predisposed to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are caused by issues that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced to certain environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be linked to chemicals found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides 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 an unfortunate fact. Thankfully most birth defects can be avoided. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate will help you understand the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we are proud on the exceptional service we offer to our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for any damages, including future and past medical expenses as well as lost income, punitive damages in certain instances as well as emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to achieve the best result for your family.

Drug makers are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on the market and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If, however your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a birth defects drug lawyer.