Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and a quarter minutes. These defects can affect the lives of those affected for a lifetime.
Different ways in which cases are classified and identified can result in an over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health effects. Birth defects are usually caused by an error in medicine or a doctor’s negligence during pregnancy.
In certain cases birth defects can be prevented through taking care of your baby and eating well. In other instances they may result from environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a lack of oxygen in the fetus.
Some birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be detected with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases are treatable or preventable like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.
Women who are older than 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk for some anderson birth defect lawsuit defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to conceive. This can help couples determine whether they’ll need additional tests. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated as soon as they are identified.
Diagnosis
A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or in early childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable like cleft lips or palates, or craniofacial disorders and others are not as conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and Tampa Birth Defect Lawsuit biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).
Many birth defects can be identified 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 is also used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the type of defect.
It may not always be possible to determine the cause of the birth defect, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water of communities or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result due to a medical professional failing to take the proper steps to treat or prevent an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a birth defect can vary based on the severity and nature of the defect. Some birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical intervention or surgery after the baby’s birth.
The most frequent issues are the chromosomal. They are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes within cells of a person. They are typically passed down from the parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart issues. They are typically caused by issues during the development of a baby’s body organs, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests for hanahan birth defect law Firm defects may be conducted during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later in life when the first signs begin to appear. The tests can be carried out via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they’re predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.
It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are due to complications that arise during a woman’s pregnancy while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by the use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are related to chemicals that are found in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite the recent advancements in medicine birth injuries and defects continue to be an unfortunate fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child who has an anomaly in the birth process that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an experienced lawyer as quickly as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.
Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice, and we take pride on the exceptional service we offer our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child and your entire family.
We can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages including past and future medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages when necessary as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and will work tirelessly to ensure the best outcome for your family.