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Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and a quarter minutes. These birth defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

Variations in the way cases are identified and classified can lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with a defect, injury or other it could cause serious health issues for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented by taking care of your baby and eating well. In some cases birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that happen during pregnancy such as the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac, or the lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some Birth defect attorneys defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These can be detected by a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Other birth defects are not known to have a origin and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illness might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they'll need additional testing. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect organ function or the structure of the person. Birth defects are often detected by a healthcare provider during the pregnancy process, at birth, or in early childhood. Some birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial irregularities are easily visible. Some, however, are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected by newborn screening tests which look for certain health issues. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.

It is not always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually associated with. 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 defects arise due to a medical professional failing to take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the issue. Some defects can be addressed before the birth of a baby, while others might require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.

A few of the most common problems are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes within cells of a person. These are often inherited from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart problems. They are usually caused by problems with the growth of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

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

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, whereas other can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy may result in birth defects. Certain birth defects could be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. These include pesticides and herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical technology, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child that has a birth defect that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an expert lawyer as soon as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we are proud on the excellent service we offer to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages such as past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in certain circumstances and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and will work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Drug makers are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you could bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.