Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Differences in how cases are classified and identified could lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with a defect or injury it can have serious health consequences for the child's health for the rest of their lives. inverness birth defect lawsuit defects can be caused by a medical error or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In other cases they may result from environmental factors such as exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects are also caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily detected with the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Certain of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no origin and are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases might want to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to conceive. This will help them determine if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth 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. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or during early childhood. Certain birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial irregularities are apparent. Others, however, aren't as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected through newborn screening tests, which look for certain health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.

It's not always it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes birth defects can be due to a physician failing to take appropriate measures to stop or treat a recognizable medical health condition. In these instances, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected 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 baby is born.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, resulting from missing or extra genes in a person's cells. These are often inherited from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These problems are caused by problems with the organ development of the baby especially in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be performed during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later in life when symptoms begin to appear. The tests can be conducted via ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take genetic tests for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular ailment.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while other can be linked to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can be linked to chemicals found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Thankfully many Matteson Birth Defect Lawyer defects are preventable. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can assist you in understanding your legal options and firm pursue compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling the claims of wrongful birth. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the high level of service we offer our clients. We'll help you get rid of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, you and your entire family.

We can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages including past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in certain circumstances and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them onto the market, and inform consumers about any potential side effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.