Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.
Variations in the way cases are classified and identified could lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system includes active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review and passive reporting.
Causes
When the baby is born with an injury or defect it can cause serious health problems for the child's future. Birth defects are usually caused by an error in medicine or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.
In some instances, birth defect lawsuit defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other instances they may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, birth defect lawyer rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the foetus.
Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound test or a blood test. Some of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects are not identified as a cause. They are known as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.
Women who are over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic illnesses may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they require further testing. Screening tests for newborns can be used to identify certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that can be treated right away.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function, or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be identified by a medical professional during pregnancy, during birth or in early childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial irregularities are apparent. Some, however, are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile to the liver).
Many birth defect conditions are detected through newborn screening tests that check for specific health problems. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be identified by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.
It may not always be possible to determine the cause of birth defects, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This can include exposure to prescription or non-prescription medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor failed to take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent a known medical condition. In these instances the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice might be filed.
Treatment
When a birth defect is identified, the options for treatment differ based on the type and severity of the problem. Some of them can be fixed before a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures following the birth of the child.
The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal. resulting from missing or extra genes in a person's cells. They usually come from the parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart issues. These defects are caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests are performed in the course of pregnancy or birth defect lawyer after birth. They can also be done later in life, if symptoms start to appear. These tests can be conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.
It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some are due to complications that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced to certain environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advancements in medical technology, birth defect litigation defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Thankfully many birth defects are preventable. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical experts. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice lawyer will help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.
Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling wrongful birth claims. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we are proud on the excellent service we offer our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, you and your entire family.
We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages such as past and future medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages when necessary as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to adequately test their products before putting them on market and to inform consumers of the potential adverse effects. If your child's birth defect attorneys defects were caused by a prescription drug, you may make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.
