Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of those affected.
Variations in the way cases are classified and identified could lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health consequences. Birth defects are usually the result of medical error or mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.
In some cases, birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other instances they may 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 the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen in the foetus.
Some
birth defect law firms defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be detected with a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects are not known to be the cause. They are known as congenital conditions, or congenital abnormalities.
Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having birth defects. Couples with the same genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This can help couples determine whether they should undergo additional tests. Screening tests for newborns can be used to identify certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that can be treated right away.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function, or the structure of the individual. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial disorders and others are not as noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).
Many birth defects are diagnosed through newborn screening tests, which are designed to detect certain health problems. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain 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's not always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually associated with. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor did not take the proper steps to treat or prevent a known medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.
Treatment
When a birth defect has been discovered, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the issue. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.
Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. due to missing or additional genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from the parents. Structural defects include cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart issues. They are typically caused by issues during the growth of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects can be conducted during pregnancy, after a person is born or later in life, when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.
Preventing
birth defect lawsuits defects is not always easy. Certain birth defects result from complications that arise during pregnancy, while others can be traced to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could result in birth defects. Some birth defects are also linked to 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 the latest advances in medicine birth injuries and defects are a tragic fact. Fortunately, many birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect attorneys (
http://www.maxtremer.com/) defect may 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 that are available to you and seek compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.
Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in handling wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the quality of service we offer to our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, you, and your family.
We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, including the future and past medical costs as well as lost income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible outcome.
Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the public, and they must inform customers about any possible side consequences. If, however your child's birth defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication, you could file a product liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defects drug lawyer.