Uncategorized / By breakfield0
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 those affected.
Different classifications and identifiers of cases may result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review and passive reporting.
Causes
When the baby is born with an injury or defect it could cause serious health problems for the child’s future. Birth defects are usually caused by an error in medical care or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.
In some cases, birth defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In other instances, they can result from environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy such as the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).
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 like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects are not known to be the cause. They are called congenital disorders, also known as congenital anomalies.
Women who are over 30 and those of certain ethnicities have a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic diseases might consider consulting an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they require further testing. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated right away.
Diagnosis
A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body, affecting the way that organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or during early childhood. Some birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial defects, are easily visible. Other birth defects, however, are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).
Many birth defect issues can be identified through newborn screening tests which look for a variety of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can easily be identified by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.
It is not always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently involved. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or birth. Other times birth defects may be the result of a doctor failing to take appropriate measures to stop or treat a recognizable medical problem. In these instances it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a recognized birth defect are based on the severity and type. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention after the baby is born.
A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, due to missing or additional genes in a person’s cells. These are usually inherited from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. These problems are caused by problems with the development of the baby’s organs particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests can be performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They may also be conducted later in life if signs begin to show. The tests can be carried out via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.
It’s not always easy to avoid birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that can occur during pregnancy, while other can be linked to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects could be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides and herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite the latest advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects remain an unsettling fact. Fortunately most birth defects are preventable. If you have a child suffering from a birth defect that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an experienced lawyer as quickly as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you understand the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for your family’s losses as well as expenses.
birth defect attorney santa ana of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the exceptional service we offer our clients. We’ll take away the burden so that you can focus on your child, yourself and your entire family.
We can assist you in obtaining compensation for damages, such as future and past medical expenses as well as lost income, damages for punitive in certain circ*mstances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.
Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing their products to the market, and warn consumers of any possible side negative effects. If your child’s birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.
