Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and a half minutes, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.
Different classifications and methods of identifying cases can result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review as well as passive reporting.
Causes
If the baby is born with a defect or injury, it can cause serious health problems for the child for life. Birth defects are often caused by a medical mistake or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.
In some cases, birth defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In some 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, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a lack of oxygen in the fetus.
Some birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that run in families. These can be detected by a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects are not known to have a origin and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.
Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of birth defects. Couples with the same genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This will aid them in determining if further testing is required. Newborn screening tests are able 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 may affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function, or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be spotted by a doctor during pregnancy, during birth or even in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious, like cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates however others are more obvious, 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 identified by newborn screening tests that check for a variety of health problems. 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 can also detect certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.
It is not always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often implicated. This could include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a physician failed to take the proper steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these instances, a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.
Treatment
If a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the condition. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require medical or surgical intervention after the baby's birth.
The most frequent disorders are the chromosomal. These are caused by extra or missing genes that are present in cells of a person. They usually come from the parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found, neural tube defects, and heart issues. These defects are caused due to problems with the development of the baby's organs particularly during the first three month of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects may be done during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo a genetic test for birth defects in order to determine if they are predisposed to a particular ailment.
It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Certain birth defects are due to chemicals that can be found in the surrounding environment, including pesticides and herbicides,
Birth Defect such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medical science birth injuries and defects remain a tragic reality. Fortunately the majority of birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child that has a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is essential to consult an experienced lawyer as quickly as possible. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.
Our team of knowledgeable
birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases involving wrongful births. We are a plaintiffs-only company and take great pride in the level of service that we provide to our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child and your entire family.
We can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages including future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.
Drug manufacturers are expected to adequately test their products before putting them on the market and to inform consumers of the potential adverse effects. If your child's
birth defect lawyer defects resulted from a drug, you may file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.