Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects can affect the lives of those who are affected for a lifetime.
Different classifications and methods of identifying cases could result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with an injury or defect may have long-term health effects. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of the doctor during pregnancy.
In some cases, birth defects can be avoided with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In some cases birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.
Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These are easily identified through a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain illnesses are treatable or preventable by a doctor, for example PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other
birth defect Attorney defects are not known to have a cause and are known as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.
Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to conceive. This will aid them in determining if further testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect some conditions, such as 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 can affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function, or the structure of the individual. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial irregularities are easily visible. Others, however, aren't as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that transports an influx of bile to the liver).
Many birth defect issues can be detected through newborn screening tests which look for certain types of health issues. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also looks for certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.
It's not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually involved. These include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating air and water in communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor did not take the proper steps to treat or prevent a known medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a suspected birth defect differ based on its severity and type. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.
A majority of birth defects are chromosomal. due to missing or additional genes in a person's cells. They are usually passed down from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. These are usually caused by issues during the growth of the baby's organs, specifically during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Screening tests can be conducted in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later in life, if symptoms begin to show. These tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo an inherited test for
birth defect lawyer defects to see if they are predisposed to a particular ailment.
It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, while other can be linked to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Some birth defects are due to chemicals that can be found in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite the recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child that has an anomaly in the birth process that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is essential to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for your family's losses and expenses.
Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we are proud on the exceptional service we offer to our clients. We'll help you get rid of the burden so that you can focus on your child, you, and your family.
We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, including future and past medical expenses, lost income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and work diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.
Drug manufacturers are expected to test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the market and warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.