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Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Different classifications and methods of identifying 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 injuries or defects could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects are often caused by an error in medicine or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In certain instances birth defects may be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. birth defect lawyers defects may also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases that run in families. These can be diagnosed with a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these diseases are treatable or preventable by a doctor, for example PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no origin and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of developing birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic diseases might consider consulting a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This will help them determine if further tests are required. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function, or the structure of the individual. Birth defects can be detected by a medical professional during pregnancy, at birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable, like cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders, while others are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected through newborn screening tests, which check for specific health issues. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can easily be identified by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the type of defect.

It is not always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually involved. This may include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes birth defects could be caused by a medical professional failing to take appropriate measures to stop or treat a recognizable medical health condition. In these instances, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been identified, the options for treatment vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby's birth.

Many of the most common 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. These include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart issues. They are typically caused by problems with the development of a baby's organs and tissues, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life, if symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while other are linked to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries remain a tragic fact. Thankfully the majority of birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in settling wrongful birth claims. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the exceptional service we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages when necessary and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Drug makers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them onto the public, and they must inform consumers of any possible side effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.