Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and a quarter minutes. These defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of those affected.
Different classifications and types of cases can result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program 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 may cause long-term health issues. Birth defects can be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.
In some cases birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In certain instances birth defects may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that happen during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).
Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be detected with a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Certain birth defects aren’t recognized to be the cause. They are called congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.
Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illnesses might consider consulting a genetic counselor before trying to get pregnant. This will help them determine if further testing is needed. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions like critical congenital defects and certain infections that can be treated right away.
Diagnosis
A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which affects the way organs work or the structure of the body. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious, like cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates however others are more conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).
Many birth defects can be detected through newborn screening tests, which look for certain health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.
It’s not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually associated with. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating water and air in communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Other times birth defects could be caused by a doctor not taking appropriate steps to avoid or treat a medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a birth defect attorneys (Suggested Site) defect vary depending on the severity and type. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention after the baby’s birth.
Most of the most prevalent defects are the chromosomal. They are caused by missing or extra genes that are present in cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found and neural tube defects and heart problems. They are usually caused by issues during the development of a baby’s organs, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects may be done during pregnancy, after a child is born or later in life, when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be done by ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular ailment.
It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are caused by complications that occur during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, Birth defect attorneys drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Certain birth defects are due to chemicals that can be found in the environment, such as herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medicine birth injuries and defects persist as an unfortunate fact. Fortunately, many birth defects are preventable. If you have a child that has a birth defect that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is essential to consult an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you understand the legal options available to you and Birth Defect attorneys pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.
Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling cases involving wrongful births. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and are proud of the level of service that 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 help you pursue damages, which include future and past medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages in certain circumstances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and then work to ensure the best outcome for your family.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to test their products thoroughly prior to releasing them onto the market and to warn consumers of the potential adverse effects. If your child’s birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you could start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.