Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects can affect the lives of those who are affected for a lifetime.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases could result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can cause long-term health issues. Birth defects could be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defect is prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In other cases, they can be the result of environmental factors such as exposure to dangerous 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 the result of genetic diseases that run in families. They can be detected with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Some of these ailments can be treated or prevented, such as PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Some celina Birth Defect lawsuit defects aren't identified as a cause. They are referred to as congenital conditions, or congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help them determine if additional testing is required. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body and can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or in early childhood. Some birth defects are visible such as cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders, 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 marlin birth defect lawyer defects can be detected by newborn screening tests, that look for specific health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It may not always be possible to know what caused the birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the air and water of communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects occur because a doctor did not take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

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

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal. resulting from missing or extra genes in a person's cells. They are typically inherited from the parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. They are usually caused by issues during the growth of the baby's organs, specifically during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be performed during pregnancy, after a baby is born or later in life when the first signs begin to appear. The tests can be conducted via ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to a particular disease.

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some are caused by complications that occur during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced to certain environmental elements. Birth defects are often caused by the use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Fortunately many birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can 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 has years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we are proud on the high level of service we offer our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, you and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in some instances and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to achieve the best result for your family.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly prior to releasing them onto the market and warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a gallatin birth defect law firm defect drug lawyer.