Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Different ways in which cases are classified and identified can result in over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health consequences. Birth defects are often caused by a medical mistake or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defect can be prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In some cases birth defects, they can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that occur during pregnancy like the uterine restriction, rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These are easily detected with the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Certain of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Other birth defects are not known to have a reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women who are over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities have an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases might want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can aid them in determining if further testing is needed. Newborn screening tests are able to determine certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or in early childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious, like cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates, while others are less conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be identified by newborn screening tests that look for certain types of health issues. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It's not always certain what caused the birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects occur due to a medical professional failing to take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these instances, a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect can vary based on the severity and type. Some of them can be fixed before the baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal. due to missing or additional genes in a person's cells. These are typically passed down from parents. These include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused due to problems with the development of organs in the baby especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They can also be performed later in life if symptoms start to appear. These tests can be done through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take an inherited test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, whereas others can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy may cause birth defects. Some birth defects are also due to chemicals that can be found in the natural environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a devastating reality. Thankfully the majority of birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice attorney will help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers have many years of experience in settling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and take pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on your child, you, and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages such as past and future medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages in some instances and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and will work tirelessly to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers are expected to thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market, and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you may make a claim for cubictd.wiki product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.