Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These birth defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.
The way that cases are classified and identified can result in over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
If a baby is born with a defect or injury, it can have serious health consequences for the child’s life. Birth defects can result from an error in medicine or the negligence of doctors during pregnancy.
In certain cases birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In other instances, they can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).
Some rolla birth defect attorney defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. They can be identified by an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these diseases can be prevented or treated, such as PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects are not known to have a cause. They are called congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.
Women who are older than 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to conceive. This can help couples determine whether they’ll need additional tests. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that can be treated right away.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be spotted by a doctor during pregnancy, before birth or in the early stages of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious such as cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates however others are more obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).
Many birth defect-related conditions can be identified by newborn screening tests that look for specific health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. A doctor can detect certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the kind of defect.
It’s not always easy to determine the source of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently implicated. This may include exposure to prescription or non-prescription medications, chemical substances contaminating water and air in communities, or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a physician failed to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent the occurrence of a medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.
Treatment
When a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the issue. Some birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others might require medical intervention or surgery following the birth of the baby.
A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, due to missing or additional genes in a person’s cells. They are usually passed down from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart issues. These are typically caused by issues during the growth of the baby’s organs, specifically in the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life if signs start to appear. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have a genetic test for preston birth defect lawsuit defects to see whether they are prone to a particular condition.
It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some birth defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, whereas others are linked to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could cause birth defects. Certain birth defects are 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 the recent advancements in medicine, birth injuries and defects continue to be an unfortunate fact. Thankfully most birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.
Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we are proud on the high level of service we provide to our clients. We’ll relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, you, and your family.
We can help you seek damages, which include future and past medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages in some instances and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to ensure the best outcome for your family.
Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market, and also warn consumers about any potential side consequences. If your child’s birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.
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