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Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

Different classifications and identifiers of cases can lead to an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health effects. Birth defects are usually the result of medical error or negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In certain instances birth defects, they can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth problems can be caused by complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of amniotic fluid’s sac or a lack of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These are easily identified through a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these ailments can be treated or prevented, such as PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no known origin and are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having birth defects. Couples with the same genetic disorders may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they require further testing. 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 organ function or the structure of the person. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or during early childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious, like cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates however others are more obvious, 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 identified by newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health problems. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It’s not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, however it is usually linked to environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or birth. birth defect law firm pontiac , birth defects are the result of a doctor failing to take the appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical problem. In these cases it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect can vary based on the severity and type. Certain defects can be corrected prior to the baby is born while others may require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth of the child.

The most frequent defects are the chromosomal. They are caused by extra or missing genes in a person’s cells. They usually come from the parents. These include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. They are typically caused by problems during the growth of the baby’s body organs, especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be done later in life if symptoms start to appear. These tests can be conducted via ultrasounds and blood tests. One can also take a genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a certain condition.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are caused by complications that arise during a woman’s pregnancy while others can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects could be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical science, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you comprehend the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for your family’s losses as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with wrongful birth claims. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we are proud on the high level of service we offer to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in obtaining compensation for damages, such as future and past medical expenses and lost income, as well as punitive damages in certain instances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the best outcome for your family.


Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them to the market, and also warn customers about any possible side negative effects. If, however your child’s birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may be able to make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defects drug lawyer.