Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These defects can affect the lives of those who are affected for the rest of their lives.
Different classifications and types of cases can lead to an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction and a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health effects. Birth defects are usually the result of a medical mistake or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.
In some cases birth defects is prevented by taking care of your baby and eating well. In certain instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).
Some birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that run in families. These can be identified with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Some of these ailments can be prevented or treated, such as PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects have no reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.
Women who are older than 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to conceive. This can help them determine if further testing is necessary. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated right away.
Diagnosis
A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part which affects the way organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be detected by a healthcare professional during pregnancy, before birth or in the early stages of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious like cleft lips or craniofacial abnormalities however others are more 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 by newborn screening tests which check for specific health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.
It may not always be certain what caused a birth defect, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute water and air in communities or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects arise due to a medical professional failing to take the proper steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a birth defect differ based on its severity and type. Certain birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.
A majority of birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person's cells. These are often inherited from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lip or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. These problems are caused by problems with the baby's organ development particularly in the initial three month of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects can be performed during pregnancy, after a child is born or later in life when symptoms start to show. The tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo a genetic test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a certain condition.
Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some birth defects result from complications that arise during pregnancy, whereas other can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain
birth defect attorneys defects may be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.
Our team of skilled birth Defect lawyers -
https://lesoutrali.com - has many years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and are proud of the quality of service we provide to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on yourself, your child, and your family.
We can help you obtain compensation for your losses, which could include the future and past medical costs, lost income, punitive damages in certain instances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible result.
Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the public, and they must inform customers about any possible side negative effects. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defects drug lawyer.