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Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These defects can affect the lives of those affected for a lifetime.

Different classifications and types of cases can lead to an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects are usually the result of an error in medicine or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In some instances birth defect law firms defects, they can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, including uterine constriction, rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a lack of oxygen in the foetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be identified by a blood test or ultrasound. Certain illnesses are treatable or preventable like PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities have a higher chance of developing birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to have a baby. This can help couples determine whether they require further tests. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be detected by a medical professional during pregnancy, at birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, craniofacial anomalies or palates, while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected by newborn screening tests, which check for specific health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It's not always certain what caused a birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute water and air in communities or a problem during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes birth defects could be the result of a doctor not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a recognized medical condition. In these instances the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect is diagnosed, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the defect. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention following the birth of the baby.

Most of the most prevalent disorders are the chromosomal. They are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes that are present in cells of a person. These are usually inherited from the parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lip or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. These defects are caused due to problems with the organ development of the baby, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defect attorney defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later in life, when symptoms begin to appear. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds and blood tests. The patient can also undergo an genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular ailment.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some are due to complications that arise during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could lead to birth defects. Some birth defects can also be caused by certain chemicals that are found in the natural environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the latest advances in medicine birth injuries and defects continue to be a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers have many years of experience in settling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

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

Drug manufacturers are expected to thoroughly test their products before putting them on the market and to warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If, however, your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you could file a product liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.