Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.
Variations in the way cases are identified and classified can result in over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system includes active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with an injury or defect may cause long-term health issues. Birth defects can be caused by medical negligence or a mistake of a doctor during pregnancy.
In certain cases birth defects can be prevented by the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In some cases birth defects can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack of oxygen to the foetus.
Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be detected with a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects are not known to be the cause. They are known as congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.
Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This will help couples determine whether they'll need additional tests. Screening tests for newborns are able to identify certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that could be treated right away.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function, or the structure of the person. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or in early childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious like cleft lips or palates or craniofacial anomalies and others are not as noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).
Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can easily be identified by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.
It may not always be certain what caused birth defects, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or the
birth defect lawyers. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a doctor did not take the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a recognized birth defect differ based on the severity and type. Some can be corrected before the baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.
Most of the most prevalent disorders are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes within cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs especially in the first three month of pregnancy.
Screening tests are performed during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be done later in life, if symptoms begin to show. The tests can be carried out via ultrasounds and blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.
Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are due to complications that happen during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. This includes pesticides as well as herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects are a tragic reality. Fortunately many birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.
Our team of experienced
birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. We are a plaintiffs-only company and take great pride in the quality of service we offer our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.
We can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages such as future and past medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.
Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them onto the market, and also warn consumers about any possible adverse effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.