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 birth defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of those affected.

Variations in the way cases are identified and classified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case assessment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health consequences. Birth defects can be caused by a medical error or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other instances they may result from environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can result from complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus or rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound test or a blood test. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known origin and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This can aid them in determining if further tests are required. Screening tests for newborns can be used to detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function, or the structure of the individual. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or in early childhood. Some Miami Shores Birth Defect Attorney defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, are easily visible. Some, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be identified through newborn screening tests that check for a variety of health issues. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It may not always be certain what caused birth defects, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription or non-prescription drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a physician failed to take the proper steps to prevent or treat an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these situations it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect can vary based on its severity and type. Some can be corrected before the birth of a baby, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.

A few of the most common problems are the chromosomal. These are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes in the cells of a person. They are typically inherited from the parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart problems. They are typically caused by problems during the growth of the baby's organs, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be done during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later on in life when symptoms start to show. These tests can be done via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular disease.

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some birth defects result from complications that occur during pregnancy, while other are linked to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. This includes pesticides as well as herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth injuries and defects remain an unfortunate fact. Fortunately the majority of birth defects are preventable. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have many years of experience in settling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take pride in the level of service that we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages, such as past and future medical costs and lost income, as well as damages for punitive purposes in certain cases as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to thoroughly test their products prior to releasing them onto the market and warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. However, if your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a albany birth defect lawsuit defects drug lawyer.