Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These birth defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

Different classifications and identifiers of cases could result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect may be ill-health for a long time. evansdale birth defect law firm defects can be caused by medical errors or negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects is prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In other instances, they can result from environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus or rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a deficiency of oxygen to the fetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that run in families. These can be identified with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses are treatable or preventable, such as PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Some birth defects are not recognized to be the cause. They are known as congenital disorders or congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are more at risk of chance of developing birth defects. Couples with the same genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to conceive. This can help couples decide whether they'll need further tests. Newborn screening tests can identify some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function or the structure of the individual. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or during early childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable like cleft lips or palates or craniofacial anomalies, while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed through newborn screening tests which check for specific health problems. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to identify genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be identified by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the condition.

It's not always possible to know what caused birth defects, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that can contaminate the air and water in communities or a problem during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects occur because a physician failed to take the proper steps to prevent or treat an existing medical condition. In these cases it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized Walnut Ridge Birth Defect Lawyer defect differ based on the severity and nature of the defect. Certain birth defects can be corrected 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 that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from the parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. They are usually caused by problems during the development of a baby's organs, specifically during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be performed 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 test for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some birth defects result from complications that arise during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Certain birth defects are due to chemicals that are present in the surrounding environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine birth injuries and defects remain an unfortunate fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child suffering from a birth defect that may be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling the claims of wrongful birth. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take pride in the level of service that we offer 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 pursue damages, which include future and past medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages when necessary, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.

Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them to the public, and they must inform customers about any possible side consequences. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.