Clinton McAnulty

Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice 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. The way that cases are classified and identified could lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review, in addition to passive reporting. Causes When a baby is born with a defect or injury it can have serious health effects on the child's future. Birth defects could be caused by medical errors or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy. In some cases, birth defect can be prevented through the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In some instances birth defects, they can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus, rupture the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack oxygen to the foetus. Some birth defects result from genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These are easily identified through the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses, such as PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Certain birth defects aren't recognized to be the cause. They are known as congenital disorders, or congenital abnormalities. Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic disorders might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they require additional tests. Screening tests for newborns can reveal some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated as soon as they are identified. Diagnosis A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part, affecting the way that organs work or the structure of the body. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or in early childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable such as cleft lips and palates or craniofacial anomalies and others are not as conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver). Many birth defect law firms defect conditions are diagnosed through newborn screening tests that check for certain types of health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the type of defect. It may not always be possible to determine the cause of a Birth Defect Attorney defect, however it is usually linked to environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription or non-prescription medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects occur due to a medical professional failing to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims can be pursued. Treatment Treatment options for a recognized birth defect differ based on its severity and type. Some birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention after the baby's birth. The most frequent issues are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes that are present in cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lips or neural tube defects as well as heart problems. These defects are caused due to problems with the organ development of the baby, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy. Screening tests are performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They may also be conducted later in life, if symptoms begin to show. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds and blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular disease. Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some are due to complications that arise during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. Birth defects may be caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971. Compensation Despite recent advances in medical technology, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Fortunately the majority of birth defects are preventable. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice attorney will help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses. Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling cases involving wrongful births. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take great pride in the level of service that we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family. We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages such as past and future medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the best possible outcome. Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the public, and they must inform consumers about any possible adverse consequences. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect lawyer.