Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a 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.

Differences in how cases are identified and classified can lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction and 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 an error in medicine or the negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In some instances birth defects, they can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy such as uterine constraint rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses which run in families. They can be identified by an ultrasound test or a blood test. Some of these illnesses, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Some east lansing birth defect attorney defects aren't known to be the cause. They are called 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 disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to have a baby. This can help couples determine if they need to undergo additional testing. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function, or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be identified by a medical professional during the pregnancy process, at birth, or in early childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips or craniofacial anomalies or palates while others are less conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be identified by newborn screening tests that look for a variety of health issues. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the condition.

It isn't always possible to pinpoint the cause of a franklin birth defect law firm defect. However environmental factors are frequently associated with. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute water and air in communities or a problem during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes birth defects could be caused by a doctor not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a recognized medical disease. In these cases medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been recognized, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some defects can be addressed before the baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth of the child.

Some of the most common problems are chromosomal. They are caused by missing or excess genes that are present in cells of a person. They are typically inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart issues. These are typically caused by problems with the development of a baby's organs, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be conducted during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born or later in life, when symptoms begin to appear. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed towards a particular condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some are due to complications that arise during pregnancy, while others can be traced to certain environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are linked to certain chemicals that are found in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth injuries and defects continue to be an unsettling fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can assist you in understanding your legal options and pursue compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling the claims of wrongful birth. We are a plaintiffs-only company and are proud of the quality of service we provide our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and birth defect your family.

We can help you obtain compensation for damages, such as the future and past medical costs and lost income, as well as punitive damages in certain instances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible result.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them to the market, and warn consumers about any potential side effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a drug, you may make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.