Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of the affected.

Different ways in which cases are classified and identified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects can result from a medical error or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In some cases birth defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, including uterine constraint rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound or blood test. Certain of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Certain birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are called congenital disorders or congenital abnormalities.

Women who are over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk for some birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic disorders might consider consulting a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This will aid them in determining if further tests are required. Screening tests for newborns can be used to determine certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part, affecting the way that organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or during early childhood. Some greenville birth defect law firm; vimeo.com, defects are noticeable like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial disorders however others are more obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are detected by newborn screening tests that look for specific health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be certain what caused birth defects, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate water and air in communities, or complications during pregnancy or the mount airy birth defect lawsuit. Sometimes, birth defects occur because a doctor did not take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect are based on the severity and nature of the defect. Some birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention following the birth of the baby.

Some of the most common defects are the chromosomal. They are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes that are present in cells of a person. They usually come from the parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These defects are caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later in life if signs begin to manifest. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to a particular disease.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some are caused by complications that occur during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to environmental elements. Birth defects are often caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are linked to certain chemicals that can be found in the environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical technology, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Fortunately, many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child who has an anomaly in the birth process that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's essential to consult an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate will help you understand the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with cases of wrongful birth. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and are proud of the level of service that we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for your losses, which could include past and future medical costs as well as lost income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing their products to the market, and warn consumers about any possible adverse consequences. If, however, your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may be able to bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.