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Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

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

Causes

When the baby is born with a defect, injury or other it could have serious health consequences for the child’s life. Birth defects are usually the result of medical error or medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defect can be prevented by taking care of your baby and eating well. In some instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, including uterine constraint rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. They can be detected with a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Certain birth defects aren’t recognized to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders, also known as congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illnesses may consider seeing an expert in genetics prior to trying to get pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they require additional tests. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body which affects the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable, like cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities and others are not as evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be identified by newborn screening tests that check for certain types of health problems. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.

It is not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually implicated. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the water and air in communities, or complications that develop 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 health condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is identified, the options for treatment differ depending on the nature and severity of the issue. Certain defects can be corrected prior to the baby is born while others might require surgery or other medical interventions after the baby is born.

Some of the most common issues are the chromosomal. birth defect lawyer st paul are caused by missing or excess genes in a person’s cells. They are typically inherited from the parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart problems. These are usually caused by issues during the development of a baby’s organs and tissues, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy, or following birth. They are also able to be done later in life, if symptoms begin to show. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular disease.

It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while others are linked to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Certain birth defects are linked to certain 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 recent advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family’s losses and expenses.


Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in handling wrongful birth cases. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for any damages, including the future and past medical costs and lost income, as well as punitive damages in certain instances, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the best possible outcome.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to adequately test their products prior to releasing them onto the market, and to inform consumers of possible adverse reactions. If your child’s birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.