Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Different ways in which cases are identified and classified can result in the over- or under-ascertainment certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with a defect or injury it could cause serious health issues for the child's future. Birth defects could be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, bluffton birth defect law firm defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In some cases birth defects may be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, such as 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 the result of genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily identified through tests for blood or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Some birth defects aren't recognized to be the cause. They are called congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.

Women who are older than 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities are at an increased risk for some birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases might want to consult an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help couples determine if they need to undergo further testing. 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

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which affects the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be identified through newborn screening tests that look for specific health problems. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It's not always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently involved. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor did not take the proper steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these situations the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

If a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention after the baby is born.

A few of the most common problems are chromosomal. These are caused by missing or Jourdanton Birth defect Law firm excess genes within cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused due to problems with the organ development of the baby, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They are also able to be done later on in life when symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some birth defects result from complications that can occur during pregnancy, while others can be linked to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy may result in birth defects. Certain birth defects may be attributed to chemicals that are present 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 latest advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects continue to be a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that Sylvania birth defect lawsuit defects could be due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate will help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for any damages, including past and future medical costs as well as lost income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and work diligently to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to adequately test their products before releasing them on the market and warn consumers of potential side effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.