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 defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.
Different ways in which cases are identified and classified can lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction and clinical review as well as passive reporting.
Causes
If a baby is born with a defect or injury it can have serious health consequences for the child’s health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects can be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.
In some instances, birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other cases they may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that occur during pregnancy such as the uterine limit, rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).
Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These are easily identified through a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these diseases are treatable or preventable like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Certain birth defects aren’t known to have a cause. They are called congenital disorders, also known as congenital anomalies.
Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of developing birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to conceive. This will help couples determine whether they require additional tests. Screening tests for newborns are able to determine certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that can be treated immediately.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function, or the structure of the individual. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial disorders however others are more evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).
Many birth defect-related conditions can be detected through newborn screening tests which look for a variety of health problems. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be detected by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.
It’s not always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often implicated. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water of communities or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes birth defects may be due to a physician not taking the proper steps to avoid or treat a medical problem. In these cases, a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.
Treatment
When a birth defect has been identified, the options for treatment differ based on the type and severity of the problem. Some birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery following the birth of the baby.
The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal, due to missing or additional genes in a person’s cells. These are usually inherited from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart problems. These are usually caused by problems with the growth of the baby’s organs and tissues, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests are performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life if signs begin to manifest. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular disease.
Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Certain birth defects result from complications that occur during pregnancy, while other can be traced back to environmental factors. birth defect Attorneys, Pyunghwaind.Com, defects can be caused by use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be caused by certain chemicals that are present in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance 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 an unfortunate fact. Fortunately many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child with an anomaly in the birth process that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is essential to consult an experienced lawyer as quickly as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.
Our team of experienced birth defect lawyer defect lawyers has years of experience in handling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the exceptional service we offer our clients. We’ll help you get rid of the burden so that you can focus on your child and your family.
We can help you obtain compensation for damages, such as the future and past medical costs loss of income, punitive damages in certain instances, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to adequately test their products before putting them on the market and to inform consumers of the potential adverse effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.