Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and a half minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can affect the lives of those who are affected for the rest of their lives.

Different classifications and types of cases may result in an under- or overestimated 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 a defect or injury can cause long-term health issues. Birth defects could be caused by a medical error or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects is prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In other instances they may be the result of environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be identified by an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain illnesses 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 conditions, or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities are at an increased chance of developing birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic illness might want to talk to a genetic counselor before trying to become pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they'll need further testing. Newborn screening tests are able to determine certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A twin falls birth defect lawsuit defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be detected by a healthcare professional during pregnancy, during birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable, like cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities, while others are less conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for some kinds of health problems. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It's not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, however it is often associated with environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor failed to take the proper steps to prevent or treat an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these instances medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been discovered, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Certain defects can be corrected prior to the baby is born while others may require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.

Many of the most common 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 parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart problems. They are typically caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs, specifically during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later in life when symptoms start to appear. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo a genetic test for birth defects to determine whether they are susceptible to a certain condition.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some are caused by issues that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to specific environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Certain birth defects could be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, osceola birth defect attorney injuries and defects continue to be a tragic reality. Fortunately many birth defects are preventable. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in settling wrongful birth claims. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take pride in the level of service that we provide to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, yourself, and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages, including past and future medical costs loss of income, punitive damage in some cases as well as emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them onto the public, and they must inform consumers about any potential side negative effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, you may file a product-liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.