Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and quarter minutes. These birth defects can impact the lives of those affected for a lifetime.

Different classifications and types of cases may result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case assessment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with a defect, injury or other it could cause serious health issues for the child's life. Birth defects can result from a medical error or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be prevented by taking care of your baby and eating well. In some instances, birth defects can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that happen during pregnancy such as uterine constraint rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that are passed down through families. These are easily detected with a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 and those of certain ethnicities have an increased risk for some birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic disorders may consider seeing a genetic counselor before trying to get pregnant. This can help couples determine if they need to undergo further testing. Screening tests for newborns can reveal some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function or the structure of the person. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or in early childhood. Certain Birth Defect attorneys defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, are visible. Others, however, aren't as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified through newborn screening tests which check for specific health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be identified by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the type of defect.

It's not always certain what caused the birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medications, chemical substances that can contaminate the air and water of communities, or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes birth defects may be caused by a medical professional failing to take the appropriate measures to stop or treat a recognizable medical disease. In these situations, a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

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

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart issues. They are usually caused by problems with the growth of the baby's organs, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be conducted during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born or later in life when symptoms begin to show. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds and blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to a particular disease.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some birth defects result from complications that can occur during pregnancy, whereas other can be traced to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are linked to certain chemicals that can be found in the surrounding environment, including pesticides and herbicides, birth defect attorneys such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring 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 highly experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and are proud of the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages including past and future medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages when necessary and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and work diligently to ensure that your family gets the best possible outcome.

Drug makers are required to adequately test their products before putting them on the market and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.