Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

The way that cases are classified and identified can lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain birth defects that are subtypes. 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 an injury or defect could have long-term health effects. Birth defects are often the result of an error in medical care or a mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, petoskey birth defect law firm defects can be prevented by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In certain instances birth defects may be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth problems can be caused by complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or gokseong.multiiq.com a lack oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These can be diagnosed with a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses can be prevented or treated like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Certain birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are known as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases might consider consulting an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This will aid them in determining 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 can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or during early childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable like cleft lips, craniofacial abnormalities however others are more conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be identified by newborn screening tests which look for specific health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be detected by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, but it is often associated with environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate air and water in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a physician failed to take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent a known medical condition. In these instances it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the problem. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention following the birth of the baby.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, due to missing or additional genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from the parents. These include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart problems. They are usually caused by problems during the growth of the baby's body organs, especially during 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 start to appear. These tests can be done via ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are due to issues that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to certain environmental elements. Birth defects may be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain miami lakes birth defect attorney defects may be linked to chemicals found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth injuries and defects remain an unfortunate fact. Thankfully many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child that has a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to speak to an experienced 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 highly skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the excellent service we provide to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for any damages, including future and past medical expenses as well as lost income, punitive damages in certain instances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and work diligently to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the market and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If, however, your child's birth defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication, you could file a product liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defects drug lawyer.