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Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can impact the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases can lead to an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could have long-term health consequences. Birth defects can be caused by medical errors or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defect is prevented by the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In some cases birth defects may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that occur during pregnancy like the uterine limit, rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These can be diagnosed with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain illnesses can be treated or prevented like PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are known as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of having birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to conceive. This can help couples decide if they need to undergo additional testing. Screening tests for newborns can be used to determine certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect organ function or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, during birth or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial abnormalities, are apparent. Some, however, aren't as obvious as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that transports an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are identified through newborn screening tests that look for certain types of health problems. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be certain what caused a birth defect, however it is often associated with environmental factors. This can include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medicines, Birth Defect Law Firms chemical substances that pollute water and air in communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects occur because a physician failed to take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these instances it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect vary depending on the severity and type. Certain birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby's birth.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, caused by missing or extra 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 problems. They are typically caused by problems with the development of a baby's body organs, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be done during pregnancy, after a baby is born or later in life when symptoms begin to appear. These tests can be conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have a genetic test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may result in birth defects. Certain birth defect law firms defects could be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth defects and birth Defect Law firms injuries are still a tragic reality. Fortunately many birth defects can be avoided. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you understand the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling wrongful birth cases. We are a plaintiffs-only company and are proud of the quality of service we provide to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, including future and past medical expenses loss of income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the situation and work hard to ensure that your family gets the best possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers are expected to test their products thoroughly before putting them on market and warn consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If your child's birth defects resulted from a drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.