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 birth defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of those affected.

Different classifications and identifications of cases may result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with an injury or defect it can cause serious health problems for the child's life. Birth defects are usually the result of medical error or doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be prevented through proper nutrition and prenatal care. In some cases birth defects may be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy, such as uterine constraint rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These are easily identified through tests for blood or an ultrasound. Some of these ailments are treatable or preventable with the help of a specialist, such as PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects have no reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of having birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic disorders may want to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to conceive. This can aid them in determining if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function, or the structure of the individual. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born, or in early childhood. Some sylacauga birth defect lawsuit defects are noticeable, like cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected by newborn screening tests, which look for certain health problems. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also looks for certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This may includon

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects continue to be a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice attorney can assist you in understanding your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have many years of experience in settling the claims of wrongful birth. We are a plaintiffs-only company and take pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can concentrate on yourself, your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages including future and past medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages in some instances and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible result.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them onto the market, and also warn consumers of any possible side effects. If your child's Staunton birth Defect Lawsuit defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug, you could bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.