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 lasting impact on the lives of the affected.
Variations in the way cases are identified and classified can lead to 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 abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
If a baby is born with a defect or injury, it could cause serious health issues for the child's life. Birth defects can result from medical errors or negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.
In some cases birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other instances they may be the result of environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, such as uterine constriction, rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.
Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These are easily identified through tests for blood or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses, such as PKU and
birth Defect sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Other birth defects have no known reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.
Women who are older than 30 and of certain ethnicities have an increased risk for some birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This will help couples determine if they need to undergo additional testing. Newborn screening tests can identify some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that can be treated immediately.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function, or the structure of the person. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable, like cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities 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 defects can be identified through newborn screening tests which check for specific health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.
It is not always possible to determine the root of a
birth defect lawsuit defect. However environmental factors are frequently associated with. This could include exposure to prescription or
birth defect non-prescription medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes
birth defects may be due to a physician failing to take the appropriate measures to prevent or treat a recognized medical health condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a suspected birth defect are based on the severity and type. Some birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others might require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.
Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, resultant from the absence of or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically inherited from the parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. These are usually caused by issues during the development of the baby's organs, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later in life when symptoms start to show. These tests can be done by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an genetic test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a particular condition.
It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that can occur during pregnancy, while others can be linked to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can 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 the recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you comprehend the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.
Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice and we pride ourselves on the exceptional service we offer to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.
We can assist you in pursuing damages, which include past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages when necessary and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.
Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them to the public, and they must inform consumers about any potential side effects. If your child's birth defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.
