Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the ladue birth defect law firm process. These beachwood birth defect lawyer defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Differences in how cases are identified and classified can result in over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment that includes 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 medical negligence or a mistake of the doctor during pregnancy.

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

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily detected with the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Some of these ailments can be treated or prevented, such as PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are known as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women who are older than 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities are at a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to get pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they should undergo further tests. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that 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 the way organs function or the structure of the individual. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born, or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial irregularities are apparent. Some, however, aren't as obvious as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries bile to the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be identified by newborn screening tests which look for certain types of health problems. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It's not always it possible to pinpoint the cause of birth defects, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription or non-prescription drugs, chemical substances that contaminate water and air in communities or a problem during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes birth defects can be the result of a doctor not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these situations it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been discovered, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the defect. Some of them can be fixed before the baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.

Most of the most prevalent issues are the chromosomal. These are caused by extra or missing genes in a person’s cells. These are usually inherited from parents. These include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused due to issues with the baby's organ development, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be conducted during pregnancy, after a child is born or later in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be conducted through ultrasounds and blood tests. One can also take a genetic test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are susceptible to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while others are linked to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries remain a tragic reality. Fortunately, many birth defects can be prevented. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can 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 have years of experience handling wrongful birth cases. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take pride in the quality of service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages including past and future medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly prior to releasing them onto the market and to warn consumers of the potential adverse effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.