Marcy Seymore asked 6 months ago
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 have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.
Different classifications and types of cases could result in an over- or underestimated number 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
When the baby is born with a defect or injury it could have serious health effects on the child’s health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects can result from a medical error or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.
In certain cases birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In some instances birth defects can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that occur during pregnancy such as the uterine restriction, rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).
Certain hurricane birth Defect Lawsuit defects result from genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound or blood test. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other gulf shores birth defect lawyer defects are not known to have a origin and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.
Women over 30 and of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases might consider consulting a genetic counselor before trying to become pregnant. This will help them determine if additional tests are required. Screening tests for newborns can reveal some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which are treatable immediately.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect organ function or the structure of a person. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or in early childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious, like cleft lips and palates or craniofacial anomalies however others are more evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).
Many birth defects are detected by newborn screening tests that look for specific health problems. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be detected by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.
It is not always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However the environment is often involved. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are the result of a doctor failing to take appropriate measures to stop or treat a recognizable medical problem. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a diagnosed 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 procedures after the baby is born.
A majority of birth defects are chromosomal. caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart problems. They are usually caused by issues during the development of the baby’s organs, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests are performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They may also be conducted later in life if symptoms begin to show. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.
Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, while other are linked to environmental factors. live oak birth defect lawsuit defects can be caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are also related to chemicals that are present in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can assist you in understanding the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.
Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling cases of wrongful birth. We are a plaintiffs-only company and are proud of the quality of service we provide our clients. We’ll help you get rid of the burden so that you can focus on your child, yourself and Douglasville Birth Defect Law Firm your family.
We can help you seek compensation for damages, including past and future medical costs and lost income, as well as punitive damage in some cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible result.
Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them onto the market, and inform customers about any possible side effects. If your child’s birth defects resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect lawyer.