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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 a quarter minutes. These defects can affect the lives of those who are affected for the rest of their lives.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases may result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with a defect or injury it could cause serious health problems for the child's life. Birth defects could be caused by a medical error or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defect can be avoided through proper nutrition and prenatal care. In some instances birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy such as uterine constraint rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. birth defect lawyer fayetteville are easily identified through the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these ailments can be prevented or treated by a doctor, for example PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are called congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and are of certain ethnicities have an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illnesses might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they'll need further testing. Newborn screening tests can identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which are treatable immediately.

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 medical professional during pregnancy, during birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, craniofacial abnormalities, while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be detected through newborn screening tests that check for certain types of health issues. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It's not always certain what caused the birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects happen due to a medical professional failing to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat an existing medical condition. In these instances, a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is diagnosed, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the condition. Some of them can be fixed before the birth of a baby, while others might require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.





The most frequent issues are chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes within cells of a person. They are typically passed down from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart problems. They are usually caused by problems with the development of a baby's body organs, especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be done during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later in life when symptoms begin to appear. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds and blood tests. One can also take an inherited test for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a particular ailment.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be due to chemicals that are found in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the latest advances in medicine birth injuries and defects persist as an unsettling fact. Fortunately many birth defects are preventable. If you have a child suffering from an anomaly in the birth process that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the exceptional service we offer to our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on yourself, your child and your entire family.

We can assist you in seeking damages, which include future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in some instances and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family gets the best possible outcome.

Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market, and also warn consumers about any potential side consequences. However, if your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.