birth defect lawsuit Defects and Medical Malpractice
In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.
Differences in how cases are classified and identified can result in over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
When a baby is born with a defect or injury, it could have serious health consequences for the child for life. Birth defects are often the result of medical error or medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.
In some instances, birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In some cases birth defects may be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, such as uterine constriction, rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a lack of oxygen in the foetus.
Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These can be detected by the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are called congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.
Women over the age of 30 and
birth defect women of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they should undergo additional tests. Screening tests for newborns can help identify some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated right away.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can alter organ function or the structure of the person. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable, like cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders however others are more conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).
Many
birth defect conditions are identified through newborn screening tests which look for certain types of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be detected by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.
It may not always be possible to know what caused the birth defect, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating water and air in communities, or complications during pregnancy or birth. Other times birth defects could be the result of a doctor not taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat a known medical problem. In these cases medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.
Treatment
If a
birth defect is recognized, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Certain birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.
A few of the most common defects are chromosomal. These are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from the parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart issues. These defects are caused due to problems with the development of organs in the baby, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects may be done during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later in life, when symptoms begin to appear. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds and blood tests. A person may also undergo an genetic test for birth defects to determine whether they are prone to a particular ailment.
Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are due to complications that arise during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may result in birth defects. Certain birth defects may be caused by chemicals that are 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 the latest advances in medicine birth injuries and defects persist as a tragic reality. Thankfully the majority of birth defects can be avoided. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.
Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice and we are proud on the high level of service we provide to our clients. We will 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, such as the future and past medical costs as well as lost income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.
Drug manufacturers are expected to test their products thoroughly before putting them on market and to warn consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, you can start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.