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 over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health consequences. Birth defects can result from medical errors or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented by taking care of your baby and eating well. In other cases they could result from environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, such as uterine constraint, rupture of the amniotic sac, or the lack of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These are easily detected with a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are known as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities have a higher risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to conceive. This can help couples determine if they need to undergo additional testing. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body, affecting the way that organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or in early childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial irregularities are easily visible. Some, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries bile to the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that check for certain types of health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to identify genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Some birth defect Attorneys; www.gpshow.com.br, defects can be identified by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the condition.

It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of birth defects, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result of a doctor not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a recognized medical disease. In these situations it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the problem. Some can be corrected before the birth of a baby, while others might require surgery or other medical procedures after the baby is born.

A majority of birth defect lawsuits defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person's cells. They are usually passed down from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lips or neural tube defects as well as heart problems. They are typically caused by problems with the development of a baby's organs, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be conducted during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born or later in life, when symptoms begin to show. The tests can be conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some are due to complications that happen during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced to certain environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects could be linked to chemicals found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine, birth injuries and defects persist as an unsettling fact. Thankfully the majority of birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice lawyer will help you understand your legal options and seek compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling cases involving wrongful births. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and take great pride in the quality of service we offer our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, yourself and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for damages such as future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.

Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and inform customers about any possible side negative effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.