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 birth defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of those affected.

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

Causes

When the baby is born with an injury or defect it could have serious health effects on the child's future. Birth defects can result from a medical error or negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other cases they may result from environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack oxygen to the foetus.

Some birth defects result from genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be detected with a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are called congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.

Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of las Vegas birth defect law firm (vimeo.com) 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 can aid them in determining if further testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body and can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies however others are more obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected through newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health issues. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also looks for certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be detected by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It's not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently associated with. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the air and water of communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are the result due to a medical professional failing to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat an existing medical condition. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect are based on the severity and type of birth defect. Some birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery following the birth of the baby.

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal, due to missing or jonesborough birth defect lawsuit additional genes in a person's cells. These are usually inherited from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart problems. These are typically caused by problems during the development of a baby's organs, specifically in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born or later in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an inherited test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a particular ailment.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to certain environmental elements. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may cause birth defects. Some birth defects are related to chemicals that are found in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice and we are proud on the quality of service we provide to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, you and your entire family.

We can help you seek damages, which include past and future medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages when necessary and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to achieve the best result for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to adequately test their products before putting them on market and warn consumers of potential side effects. If your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.