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Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and a quarter minutes. These defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.
birth defect lawsuit scottsdale in how cases are identified and classified can lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system includes active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and a clinical review and passive reporting.
Causes
When a baby is born with a defect or injury, it could have serious health consequences for the child's future. Birth defects can result from a medical error or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.
In some instances, birth defect can be prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In other cases, they can be the result of environmental factors such as exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, such as the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).
Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders which run in families. They can be detected with a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these ailments are treatable or preventable with the help of a specialist, such as PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects are not recognized to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders, or congenital abnormalities.
Women who are older than 30 and those of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic diseases might consider consulting an expert in genetics prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they'll need additional tests. Newborn screening tests are able to determine certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that can be treated right away.
Diagnosis
A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, before birth or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial defects, are visible. Others are not as obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports the bile into the liver).
Many birth defects can be detected by newborn screening tests which check for specific health problems. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.
It isn't always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually involved. These include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the air and water of communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects occur because a doctor did not take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent a known medical condition. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a recognized birth defect vary depending on its severity and type. Some defects can be addressed before a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.
Some of the most common disorders are the chromosomal. These are caused by extra or missing genes within cells of a person. They usually come from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. These problems are caused by issues with the baby's organ development, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.
Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be done later in life, if symptoms start to appear. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo a genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a particular condition.
It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy could result in birth defects. Some birth defects can also be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medical science, birth injuries and defects continue to be a tragic reality. Fortunately most birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.
Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we pride ourselves on the excellent service we provide to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on your child, you, and your family.
We can help you seek damages, which include past and future medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages when necessary as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.
Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them onto the public, and they must inform consumers of any possible side consequences. If your child's birth defects resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.