Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can alter the lives of those who are affected for the rest of their lives.
Different classifications and identifiers of cases may result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health consequences. Birth defects are usually the result of medical error or negligent doctor during pregnancy.
In some cases whitefish bay birth defect Lawyer defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In certain instances birth defects, they can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture the amniotic fluid sac or a lack of oxygen in the fetus.
Certain birth defects result from genetic disorders which run in families. These can be detected by an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these ailments, such as PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known cause and are known as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.
Women who are older than 30 and are of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to have a baby. This can help them determine if additional testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns are able to identify certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that could be treated immediately.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can impact organ function or the structure of the individual. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or even during early childhood. Certain birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial defects, are visible. Other birth defects, however, aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile to the liver).
Many birth defects can be identified by newborn screening tests which check for specific health issues. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.
It's not always possible to determine the cause of birth defects, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Other times birth defects can be caused by a medical professional not taking appropriate steps to avoid or treat a medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect differ based on the severity and type of birth defect. Certain birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention after the baby's birth.
Some of the most common issues are the chromosomal. These are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes that are present in cells of a person. They are typically inherited from the parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart issues. They are usually caused by problems during the development of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later on in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests are conducted via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person can have a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular disease.
Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are caused by complications that occur during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are related to chemicals that are found in the environment, such as herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.
Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have many years of experience in settling cases involving wrongful births. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take pride in the quality of service we provide to our clients. We'll help you get rid of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, yourself and your entire family.
We can help you pursue damages, which include past and future medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages in some instances as well as emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and will work tirelessly to ensure the best outcome for your family.
Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them onto the market, and also warn consumers of any possible side effects. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you could make a claim for product liability with the help of a jeanerette birth defect lawsuit defects lawyer for drugs.