Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the
birth defect lawyer process. These defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.
Different classifications and types of cases may result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with a defect or injury can be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects are usually caused by a medical mistake or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.
In some instances birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In some cases birth defects may be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that arise during pregnancy like uterine constraint, rupture of the amniotic sac or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).
Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be detected through a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects are not identified as a cause. They are known as congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.
Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to get pregnant. This can aid them in determining if further testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that can be treated as soon as they are identified.
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. Birth defects are often detected by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, at birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable like cleft lips, craniofacial anomalies or palates, while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).
Many birth defects are diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for certain health issues. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be identified by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.
It's not always it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This can include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and
birth Defect lawyer water in 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 existing medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a recognized birth defect vary depending on the severity and nature of the defect. Some birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.
A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are often inherited from parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lip or neural tube defects as well as heart problems. These birth defects are caused by issues with the organ development of the baby particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests for
Birth Defect lawyer defects can be performed during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later on in life,
birth defect lawyer when symptoms begin to appear. The tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo a genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a certain condition.
Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some are due to complications that occur during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medical science, birth injuries and defects remain an unsettling fact. Thankfully most birth defects are preventable. If you have a child who has a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's crucial to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation for your family's expenses and losses.
Our team of expert birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling wrongful birth cases. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take great pride in the quality of service we provide our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, and your family.
We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages including future and past medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and will work tirelessly to achieve the best result for your family.
Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them to the public, and they must inform consumers about any potential side consequences. If 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 defects drug lawyer.