Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

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

Causes

If a baby is born with a defect, injury or other it can have serious health consequences for the child for life. Birth defects are often the result of an error in medical care or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In some cases birth defects may be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that occur during pregnancy such as the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be detected with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain illnesses can be treated or prevented with the help of a specialist, such as PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects are not identified as a cause. They are called congenital conditions, or congenital abnormalities.

Women who are older than 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illness might consider consulting a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they'll need additional testing. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions like critical congenital defects and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A fort smith birth defect law firm defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which affects the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be detected by a medical professional during the pregnancy process, at birth, or in early childhood. Some birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial irregularities are visible. Others, however, are less obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile to the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for some kinds of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.

It's not always easy to determine the source of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually associated with. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, batesburg leesville birth defect lawsuit defects happen because a doctor failed to take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these situations, a claim for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Certain daytona Beach Birth defect lawyer defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention following the birth of the baby.

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal, caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from the parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lip or neural tube defects as well as heart problems. These defects are caused due to issues with the development of organs in the baby particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They can also be performed later on in life when symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be carried out via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have an inherited test for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a certain condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some birth defects are caused by complications that can occur during pregnancy, while other can be linked to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. These include pesticides and herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child who has an anomaly in the birth process that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's essential to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as you can. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service we provide to our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can focus on your child and your entire family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in some instances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and work hard to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them onto the public, and they must inform consumers of any possible side negative effects. If, however, your child's birth defect was caused by a drug you may file a product liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defects drug lawyer.