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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 alter the lives of those who are affected for a lifetime.
Different classifications and identifications of cases can lead to an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review as well as 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 medical negligence or a mistake of a doctor during pregnancy.
In birth defect attorney reading , birth defects can be prevented by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In other cases, they can be the result of environmental factors such as exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects are also caused by complications that occur during pregnancy such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).
Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases which run in families. They can be detected with a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses can be treated or prevented by a doctor, for example PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects have no reason and are classified as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.
Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to conceive. This will help couples determine whether they'll need further tests. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that can be treated immediately.
Diagnosis
A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious such as cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders however others are more conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).
Many birth defects can be detected by newborn screening tests, that look for specific health issues. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can easily be identified by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the type of defect.
It's not always certain what caused a birth defect, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the water and air in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or the birth. Other times, birth defects are the result of a doctor not taking appropriate steps to stop or treat a recognizable medical disease. In these cases medical malpractice claims can be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect vary depending on its severity and type. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.
A majority of birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person's cells. They are typically passed down from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip or neural tube defects as well as heart problems. These problems are caused by problems with the organ development of the baby particularly in the initial three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests are performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later on in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be conducted via ultrasounds and blood tests. One can undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.
It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Certain birth defects result from complications that arise during pregnancy, while other are linked to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can 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 advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child that has a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's essential to consult an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.
Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and take great pride in the quality of service we provide our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.
We can help you seek compensation for damages, including past and future medical costs as well as lost income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases as well as emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.
Manufacturers of drugs are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly prior to releasing them onto the market and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If your child's birth defects resulted from a drug, you can start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect lawyer.