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Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice





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

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

Causes

If a baby is born with a defect or injury it can have serious health effects on the child for life. Birth defects can result from an error in medicine or the negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be avoided by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In some instances birth defects may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy like uterine constraint, rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders which run in families. They can be detected with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Some of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Certain birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are known as congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic disorders might consider consulting an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help couples determine if they need to undergo additional tests. Newborn screening tests can identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect organ function or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be spotted by a doctor during pregnancy, during birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial anomalies, are easily visible. Some, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports the bile to the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for specific health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can easily be identified by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the type of defect.

It isn't always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However the environment is often associated with. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are caused by a medical professional not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical health condition. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is identified, the options for treatment vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby's birth.

A few of the most common defects are the chromosomal. They are caused by extra or missing genes in a person’s cells. They are usually passed down from parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lip or neural tube defects as well as heart problems. These are usually caused by issues during the development of the baby's organs, specifically in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy, or after birth. birth defect lawyer philadelphia are also able to be done later in life, if symptoms begin to show. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo genetic tests for birth defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a particular ailment.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are due to issues that occur during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced to certain environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Some birth defects can also be attributed to chemicals that are present 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 an unfortunate fact. Thankfully most birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can assist you in understanding the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we are proud on the exceptional service we offer to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for any damages, including future and past medical expenses loss of income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and work diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing their products to the public, and they must inform consumers of any possible side consequences. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication you could make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.