Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and a quarter minutes. These defects can affect the lives of those who are affected for the rest of their lives.

Different classifications and identifiers of cases could result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case assessment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects are usually the result of an error in medicine or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defect can be avoided through the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In other instances they may result from environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that happen during pregnancy such as the uterine restriction, rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be detected through a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses, 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 disorders or congenital abnormalities.

Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This will aid them in determining if further testing is required. Screening tests for newborns are able to identify certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

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 individual. Birth defects can be spotted by a doctor during pregnancy, before birth or in early childhood. Some birth defect lawyer defects are visible like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial disorders however others are more obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are detected by newborn screening tests that look for specific health problems. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the condition.

It's not always easy to determine the source of a birth defect attorneys defect. However, environmental factors are often involved. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor did not take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat an existing medical condition. In these instances the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect differ based on the severity and type. Some birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others might require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically inherited from parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. These are typically caused by issues with the growth of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later on in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo an genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are prone to a particular condition.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are due to complications that arise during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may cause birth defects. Certain birth defect law firms defects are linked to certain chemicals that can be found in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the latest advances in medicine birth injuries and defects continue to be a tragic reality. Thankfully many birth defects are preventable. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with cases of wrongful birth. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and are proud of the level of service that we provide to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child and your entire family.

We can assist you in seeking damages, which include past and future medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages when necessary as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible result.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to thoroughly test their products prior to releasing them onto the market, and to inform consumers of the potential adverse effects. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a drug, you could make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defects drug lawyer.