Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can affect the lives of those who are affected for the rest of their lives.
Different ways in which cases are classified and identified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and clinical review and passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with an injury or defect may have long-term health consequences. Birth defects can be caused by medical errors or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.
In some cases birth defects can be prevented by the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In certain instances, birth defects can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, like uterine constriction, rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the fetus.
Some birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that run in families. They can be identified by a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects aren't recognized to be the cause. They are called congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.
Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This can help couples determine if they need to undergo further testing. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that can be treated right away.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can alter organ function or the structure of the person. Birth defects are often detected by a healthcare professional during pregnancy, at birth or in early childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders while others are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).
Many
Birth defect law Firms defects can be identified by newborn screening tests, which check for specific health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to identify genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be detected by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.
It's not always possible to know what caused a birth defect, however it is typically linked to environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or non-prescription medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor did not take the proper steps to prevent or treat an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a recognized birth defect are based on its severity and type. Some birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention after the baby is born.
Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from the parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. These are typically caused by problems during the development of the baby's body organs, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests can be conducted in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life if signs begin to show. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take an inherited test for
birth defect attorney defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a certain condition.
Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, while other can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are caused by certain chemicals that can be found in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. An empathetic 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 experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the high level of service we provide to 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 seeking compensation for any damages, including past and future medical costs loss of income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.
Drug manufacturers are expected to thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If, however, your child's
birth defect law firm defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication, you could bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.