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.
Differences in how cases are classified and identified could lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system includes active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and a clinical review and passive reporting.
Causes
If a baby is born with a defect, injury or other it could cause serious health problems for the child for life. Birth defects could be caused by medical errors or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.
In some instances birth defects can be prevented by the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In other instances, they can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, like uterine constriction, rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack of oxygen in the foetus.
Some birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that are passed down through families. These can be diagnosed with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Certain illnesses can be prevented or treated with the help of a specialist, such as PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no known cause and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.
Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illness might consider consulting a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help them determine if additional testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborns can be used to detect certain conditions, such as 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. Birth defects can be spotted by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, at birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial defects, are apparent. Others, however, are less obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).
Many
birth defects can be identified by newborn screening tests, which look for certain health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the type of defect.
It's not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, however it is typically linked to environmental factors. This can include exposure to prescription or non-prescription medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are the result due to a medical professional failing to 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 suspected birth defect vary depending on the severity and type of birth defect. Certain defects can be corrected prior to the baby is born while others may require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth of the child.
Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person's cells. These are typically passed down from parents. These include cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart problems. These are usually caused by issues with the growth of the baby's organs, specifically during the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects may be done during pregnancy, after a person is born or later in life when symptoms begin to appear. These tests can be conducted via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person can also have genetic tests for
Birth defect attorneys defects in order to determine if they are predisposed to a particular ailment.
It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some birth defects result from complications that can occur during pregnancy, whereas others can be traced to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Some birth defects can also be caused by chemicals that are 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 recent advancements in medical technology, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Fortunately, many birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can assist you in understanding the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.
Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling wrongful birth cases. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and are proud of the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll help you get rid of the burden so that you can concentrate on yourself, your child, and your family.
We can assist you in seeking compensation for your losses, which could include past and future medical costs loss of income, punitive damage in some cases, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible outcome.
Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them to the public, and they must inform consumers about any potential side negative effects. If your child's birth defect was caused by a drug you may make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defects drug lawyer.
