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 alter the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

Different ways in which cases are classified and identified could lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system includes active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and a clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with an injury or defect it can cause serious health problems for the child for life. Birth defects could be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other cases, they can result from environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be detected through an ultrasound test or a blood test. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known cause and are known as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women who are over 30 and are of certain ethnicities have a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic disorders may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they should undergo further tests. Screening tests for newborns can be used to detect certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be detected by a healthcare provider during the pregnancy process, at birth, or in the early stages of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial disorders while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be detected through newborn screening tests that check for certain types of health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be certain what caused a birth defect, however it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities or a problem during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes star birth defect law firm defects can be the result of a doctor not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical disease. In these cases medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect are based on its severity and type. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might 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 excess genes in the cells of a person. These are typically passed down from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. They are usually caused by issues during the development of a baby's organs and tissues, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy, or following ketchikan birth defect lawyer. They can also be done later in life, if symptoms begin to show. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo genetic tests for birth defects to determine whether they are susceptible to a particular ailment.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are due to complications that arise during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. Birth defects may be caused by use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects could be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine birth injuries and defects persist as an unsettling fact. Fortunately, many birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may be due to the negligence of medical experts. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can assist you in understanding your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice, and we take pride on the quality of service we offer 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 obtain compensation for damages, including future and past medical expenses loss of income, punitive damages in certain instances, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the highest possible result.

Drug makers are required to adequately test their products prior to releasing them onto the market and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may make a claim for product liability with the help of a prospect park birth defect lawyer defect lawyer.