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Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and a half minutes, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Variations in the way cases are identified and classified can result in over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with an injury or defect it can have serious health consequences for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects are often the result of a medical mistake or a mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other cases they could result from environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can result from complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the fetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These can be identified with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Some birth defects are not known to have a cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to conceive. This can help couples determine whether they'll need additional testing. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. birth defect lawyer seattle can spot birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, are visible. Some, however, aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified through newborn screening tests that look for specific health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It's not always easy to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently associated with. This could include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects occur because a doctor failed to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent a known medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.





Treatment

When a birth defect has been identified, the options for treatment differ based on the type and severity of the issue. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

A few of the most common issues are the chromosomal. These are caused by extra or missing genes that are present in cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. They are typically caused by issues during the growth of the baby's organs, specifically during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be done during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later on in life when symptoms begin to appear. These tests can be carried out via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular disease.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are due to complications that happen during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may result in birth defects. Some birth defects can also be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical technology, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Thankfully, many birth defects are preventable. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can help you comprehend the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with wrongful birth claims. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we are proud on the exceptional service we offer 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 pursue compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages when necessary and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and will work tirelessly to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them to the market, and also warn consumers of any possible side consequences. If, however, your child's birth defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication, you could make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.