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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 impact the lives of those who are affected for a lifetime.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified could lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes 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

If the baby is born with a defect, injury or other it could cause serious health issues for the child for life. Birth defects are often the result of a medical mistake or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented by the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In certain 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 amniotic fluid's sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases that run in families. These are easily identified through the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects aren't known to have a cause. They are known as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities have an increased risk for some birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illnesses might want to talk to an expert in genetics prior to trying to get pregnant. This can aid them in determining if further testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions such as critical congenital 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 the individual. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial anomalies, are obvious. Some, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries bile to the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are detected through newborn screening tests which look for certain types of health issues. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the condition.

It's not always it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, however it is usually linked to environmental factors. This can include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute water and air in communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor failed to take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is identified, the options for treatment differ based on the type and severity of the issue. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

A few of the most common disorders are chromosomal. They are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes in the cells of a person. These are often inherited from parents. These include cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart problems. These problems are caused by problems with the development of organs in the baby, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later in life if signs begin to manifest. The tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

Preventing birth defect law firm defects is not always straightforward. Some birth defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, whereas others can be traced to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are also caused by certain chemicals that can be found in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Fortunately, many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child suffering from an anomaly in the birth process that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to speak to an expert lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate will help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice, and we take pride on the high level of service we offer to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, yourself, and your family.

We can assist you in seeking damages, which include past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages when necessary, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them onto the public, and they must inform consumers of any possible side effects. If your child's birth defect was caused by a drug, you could start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a birth defects drug lawyer.