Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects can affect the lives of those affected for a lifetime.

Different classifications and types of cases may result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract 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 can be caused by a medical error or carrizo springs birth Defect attorney negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In certain instances birth defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that happen during pregnancy, such as the uterine limit, rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily identified through a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Certain birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having certain 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 will help them determine if additional tests are required. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function or the structure of a person. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or in early childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable such as cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected through 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 diseases like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be identified by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It's not always easy to determine the cause of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often associated with. These include exposure to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the water and air in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes Fort Mill birth defect lawsuit defects could be caused by a medical professional not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical health condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a birth defect vary depending on the severity and type. Some of them can be fixed before a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.

Most of the most prevalent problems are the chromosomal. These are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes in a person’s cells. These are usually inherited from the parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart problems. These are typically caused by issues during the development of a baby's organs, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later in life when the first signs begin to appear. These tests can be done via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that can occur during pregnancy, whereas other can be linked to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Some jeanerette birth defect attorney defects can also be related to chemicals that can be 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 defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Thankfully most birth defects are preventable. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can help you comprehend the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with the claims of wrongful birth. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the exceptional service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages in some instances and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family gets the best possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them onto the market, and also warn consumers about any possible adverse effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.