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 defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and types of cases can lead to an over- or under-estimated number 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

A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health effects. Birth defects are usually the result of medical error or negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In certain instances birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can result from complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen in the foetus.

Certain geneva birth defect lawyer defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be identified by the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Certain of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects aren't recognized to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic diseases might want to talk to a genetic counselor before trying to become pregnant. This will help them determine if further tests are required. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body and can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable such as cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates, while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected by newborn screening tests, which are designed to detect certain health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be identified by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the type of defect.

It isn't always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually associated with. This could include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a physician failed to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these cases the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been identified, the options for treatment vary depending on the type and severity of the problem. Some can be corrected before the baby is born while others might require surgery or other medical interventions after the baby is born.

A few of the most common defects are chromosomal. They are caused by missing or excess genes that are present in cells of a person. They are usually passed down from parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart issues. They are usually caused by problems during the development of a baby's organs, specifically during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to appear. These tests can be done through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take an genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some Madisonville Birth defect Lawsuit defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, while others can be linked to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy could lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are linked to certain chemicals that are found in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth injuries and defects are an unfortunate fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child with a birth defect that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's essential to consult an expert lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we are proud on the excellent service we offer to our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child and your entire family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, including the future and past medical costs as well as lost income, punitive damages in certain instances as well as emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and inform customers about any possible side consequences. If, however your child's hesperia birth defect lawyer defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.