Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and a half minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These birth defect attorneys defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of those affected.
Different classifications and methods of identifying cases can result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with an injury or defect could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects can result from a medical error or negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.
In certain cases birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other cases, they can result from environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, such as the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).
Some birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that run in families. These are easily detected with a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Some birth defects aren’t identified as a cause. They are called congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.
Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illness might want to consult an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help them determine if additional testing is necessary. Newborn screening tests are able to determine certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that can be treated right away.
Diagnosis
A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Some birth Defect Attorney defects are noticeable such as cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders however others are more noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).
Many birth defect issues can be detected through newborn screening tests which look for some kinds of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the type of defect.
It may not always be possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. 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 delivery. Sometimes birth defects could be caused by a doctor not taking the proper steps to stop or treat a recognizable medical disease. In these cases medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.
Treatment
When a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the defect. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby’s birth.
Most of the most prevalent defects are chromosomal. These are caused by extra or missing genes in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found and neural tube defects and heart issues. They are usually caused by issues with the growth of the baby’s organs, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects can be performed during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later in life, when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take a genetic test for birth defects to see if they are predisposed to a certain condition.
It’s not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some are caused by issues that occur during a woman’s pregnancy, while others can be traced back to certain environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are related to chemicals that are present in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is essential 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 knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family’s costs and losses.
Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we are proud on the high level of service we offer to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.
We can help you obtain compensation for any damages, including past and future medical costs, lost income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and work diligently to achieve the best result for your family.
Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them to the public, and they must inform consumers about any possible adverse effects. If, however your child’s birth defect lawsuit defect was caused by a drug you may be able to bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defects drug lawyer.