Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These defects can alter the lives of those affected for a lifetime.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified can result in an over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with an injury or defect it can have serious health effects on the child for life. Birth defects can be caused by medical negligence or a mistake of the doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be prevented by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In some cases birth defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that are passed down through families. They can be identified by a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses can be treated or prevented by a doctor, for example PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects aren't known to have a cause. They are called congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.

Women who are older than 30 and of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk for some Vandalia birth defect Lawsuit defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic illnesses may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples determine if they need to undergo further tests. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can alter organ function or the structure of a person. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial irregularities are visible. Some, however, are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports the bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified by newborn screening tests which look for certain health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can easily be identified by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of the birth defect, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over the counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or the birth. Other times birth defects can be caused by a medical professional not taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat a recognized medical disease. In these cases, a claim for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been discovered, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the condition. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require medical or surgical intervention following the birth of the baby.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically inherited from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart issues. They are usually caused by problems during the development of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life, if symptoms begin to show. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person can have a genetic test for hialeah gardens birth defect law firm defects to determine if they're predisposed towards a particular condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some are caused by complications that occur during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child with 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 possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling wrongful birth cases. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and are proud of the level of service that we provide to our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on your child, yourself, and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, such as future and past medical expenses, lost income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them onto the market, and inform customers about any possible side negative effects. If, however, vandalia birth defect lawsuit your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug, you could make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.