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Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and quarter minutes. These defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

Differences in how cases are identified and classified could lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects can be caused by a medical error or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defect can be prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In other instances they may be the result of environmental factors such as exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defect attorneys defects are the result of genetic diseases that run in families. These can be identified with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known origin and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic illness may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This can help them determine if further testing is necessary. Newborn screening tests can identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, which can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part and can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be spotted by a healthcare professional during pregnancy, before birth or in early childhood. Some Birth Defect Attorneys defects are visible, like cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders and others are not as noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests, which check for specific health problems. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It's not always easy to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually involved. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or during delivery. Other times, birth defects are the result of a doctor not taking appropriate steps to stop or treat a recognizable medical problem. In these instances the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been diagnosed, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Some defects can be addressed before the baby is born while others might require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth of the child.

A few of the most common defects are chromosomal. They are caused by extra or missing genes in a person’s cells. They are typically inherited from the parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. They are typically caused by problems during the development of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They can also be done later in life, if symptoms begin to manifest. The tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take an genetic test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are susceptible to a particular condition.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some are due to complications that arise during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Certain birth defects are related to chemicals that are present in the environment, such as herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical technology, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the excellent service we provide to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for losses, including past and future medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages in some instances, and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If, however your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may be able to start a lawsuit based on product liability with the help of a birth defects drug lawyer.