Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These bremen birth defect attorney defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.
Different classifications and methods of identifying cases can lead to an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with injuries or defects could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects are often caused by an error in medical care or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.
In certain cases birth defects can be avoided by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In other cases, they can be the result of environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that occur during pregnancy, including 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 caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be detected through an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these diseases are treatable or preventable by a doctor, for example PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and palate. Certain birth defects aren’t recognized to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital conditions, or congenital abnormalities.
Women who are over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases might want to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to have a baby. This can help them determine if additional testing is needed. Newborn screening tests can identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that can be treated right away.
Diagnosis
A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part, affecting the way that organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be spotted by a medical professional during pregnancy, during birth or in the early stages of childhood. Certain birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial defects, are apparent. Others, however, aren’t as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports an influx of bile to the liver).
Many birth defect-related conditions can be identified by newborn screening tests that check for some kinds of health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.
It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of the birth defect, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a doctor did not make the necessary steps to prevent or treat an existing medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims could be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a suspected birth defect can vary based on the severity and type. Certain defects can be corrected prior to the baby is born while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the baby is born.
A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from the parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These problems are caused by issues with the development of the baby’s organs particularly during the first three month of pregnancy.
Screening tests may be performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They may also be conducted later in life if signs start to appear. These tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an genetic test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are predisposed to a particular condition.
Preventing birth defects isn’t always straightforward. Certain birth defects result from complications that can occur during pregnancy, while other can be linked to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain payette Birth defect Lawsuit defects could be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medical science birth injuries and defects persist as an unfortunate fact. Fortunately most birth defects are preventable. If you have a child with a birth defect that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is crucial to consult an expert lawyer as soon as you can. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family’s expenses and losses.
Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases involving wrongful births. We are a plaintiffs-only company and are proud of the level of service that we provide our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.
We can assist you in obtaining compensation for damages, including past and future medical costs as well as lost income, punitive damages in certain instances, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.
Drug makers are required to thoroughly test their products before putting them on the market and warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If your child’s birth defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication, you could make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.
