Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of those affected.
Differences in how cases are classified and identified can lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
If a baby is born with an injury or defect it could cause serious health problems for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects could be caused by a medical error or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.
In some cases, birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other cases they may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy, such as uterine constraint, rupture of the amniotic sac or the lack of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).
Certain birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses which run in families. They can be identified by an ultrasound or blood test. Some of these illnesses, such as PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Other birth defects have no known origin and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.
Women who are over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of having
birth defect lawsuit defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illnesses might want to talk to an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they'll need further tests. Screening tests for newborns can be used to detect certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that can be treated right away.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can impact organ function or the structure of a person. Birth defects can be detected by a doctor during pregnancy, at birth or
birth defects in the early stages of childhood. Some
birth defects are visible such as 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 defect-related conditions can be detected through newborn screening tests that look for some kinds of health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can easily be identified by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.
It's not always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently associated with. This could include exposure to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate air and
birth defects water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor did not take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat an existing medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims could be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a suspected birth defect can vary based on the severity and type. Some birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention following the birth of the baby.
A majority of birth defects are chromosomal. resulting from missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They usually come from the parents. These include cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart problems. They are typically caused by issues with the growth of the baby's organs, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests are performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They are also able to be done later on in life when symptoms start to appear. The tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an inherited test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a certain condition.
Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, whereas other can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are linked to certain chemicals that are found in the environment, such as herbicides and pesticides, such 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. Thankfully, many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child suffering from an anomaly in the birth process that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to speak to an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your family's expenses and losses.
Our team of experienced
birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take pride in the level of service that we provide to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on yourself, your child and your entire family.
We can help you seek compensation for damages, such as future and past medical expenses as well as lost income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and work diligently to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.
Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing their products to the public, and they must inform consumers about any potential side negative effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a drug, you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.