Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

Different classifications and types of cases may result in an under- or overestimated 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

When a baby is born with a defect, injury or other it could have serious health consequences for the child for life. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of doctors during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defect can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In some instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that arise during pregnancy like the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac or the lack of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound or blood test. Certain of these diseases are treatable or preventable, such as PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no known origin and are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to have a baby. This can help couples determine whether they'll need additional testing. Screening tests for newborns can be used to determine certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body which affects the way organs function or the structure of the body. Healthcare professionals can detect greenville birth defect lawsuit defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious like cleft lips or craniofacial abnormalities, while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are identified by newborn screening tests that check for specific health problems. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to identify genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It is not always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often implicated. This may include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that can contaminate the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects happen due to a medical professional failing to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these instances, a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect vary depending on the severity and type of birth defect. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require medical or surgical intervention following the birth of the baby.

Some of the most common disorders are the chromosomal. They are caused by missing or extra genes in a person’s cells. They are typically inherited from the parents. Structural defects include cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart issues. These defects are caused by issues with the organ development of the baby particularly during the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They may also be conducted later in life if signs start to appear. These tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have an genetic test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are susceptible to a particular condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some grandview birth Defect lawyer defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while other can be traced to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Some birth defects are also caused by certain chemicals that can be found in the surrounding environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine birth injuries and defects continue to be an unfortunate fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child suffering from an anomaly in the rincon birth defect lawyer process that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an expert lawyer as soon as you can. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with the claims of wrongful birth. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice and we pride ourselves on the excellent service we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages when necessary as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers are expected to adequately test their products before releasing them on the market and to warn consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If, however your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.