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 defects can affect the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.
Variations in the way cases are identified and classified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health effects. Birth defects can be caused by medical errors or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.
In some cases birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In some instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a lack oxygen to the fetus.
Some birth defects result from genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be identified by an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these diseases can be treated or prevented with the help of a specialist, such as PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and cleft palate. Certain birth defects aren’t known to have a cause. They are called congenital disorders, or congenital abnormalities.
Women who are over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities have an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic disorders might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This will aid them in determining if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that can be treated right away.
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 a person. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial anomalies, are visible. Other birth defects, however, are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile to the liver).
Many birth defect disorders can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for certain types of health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.
It’s not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate water and air in communities or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defect law firms defects are the result of a doctor not taking appropriate steps to avoid or treat a medical problem. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.
Treatment
If a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the condition. Some birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby’s birth.
A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, resulting from missing or extra genes in a person’s cells. These are usually inherited from parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused due to issues with the development of the baby’s organs particularly in the initial three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests can be performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth defect attorney. They can also be performed later on in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds and blood tests. The patient can also undergo a genetic test for birth defects to determine whether they are prone to a specific condition.
Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, whereas others can be traced to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Some birth defects can be linked to chemicals found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite the latest advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.
Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling the claims of wrongful birth. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and are proud of the quality of service we provide to our clients. We’ll take away the burden so that you can concentrate on yourself, your child, and your family.
We can assist you in pursuing compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in some instances and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the situation and work hard to ensure that your family gets the best possible result.
Drug manufacturers are expected to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market and to inform consumers of the potential adverse effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you may file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.