Michigan Cystic Fibrosis Lawyer

Cystic fibrosis is a progressive genetic disorder, causing continuous lung infections and difficulty breathing. While there ways to determine the likelihood of this disease for a newborn, expecting mothers should receive proper testing before or during labor and delivery.

In people with cystic fibrosis, the mucus in their organs, such as their lungs and digestive tract, becomes thick and sticky. This type of mucus is known for causing tissue and organ damage, which generally comes with a shorter life expectancy.

People who live with cystic fibrosis—or who have children with the disease—often turn to an experienced Michigan cystic fibrosis lawyer to discuss how these issues came about. For example, certain cases might have arisen from delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, to a discrimination issue or problem with receiving proper insurance benefits or disability payments. A skillful attorney could work to conduct an investigation and determine if a medical professional’s error is, in fact, to blame.

The Genetics of Cystic Fibrosis

People can carry the gene for cystic fibrosis but not actually have the disease. Because of this, pregnant mothers are usually offered a blood test early in their pregnancy to determine if they carry this gene. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends all pregnant women receive this simple blood test, regardless of their history or ethnicity.

If they do have the gene, the father is also tested. If the father has the gene as well, the couple is usually sent to a genetic counselor to discuss their options further. This is because both parents must have the gene in order for an infant to inherit cystic fibrosis. If both parents have the gene, the newborn has a 25 percent chance of having this disorder.

However, mothers who give birth to a baby with this disorder who were not offered this screening test before or during pregnancy, might wish to discuss their situation with a knowledgeable Michigan cystic fibrosis lawyer. Depending on their unique circumstances, they might be able to pursue a claim against the care professionals overseeing their delivery on the basis of medical negligence. As a result, it is important to understand the genetics of cystic fibrosis for expecting mothers and their families.

Complications with Progressive Genetic Disorders

Cystic fibrosis is a disease that will present differently in each patient. As a result, it can be difficult to predict what type of course it will take with a newborn. For example, some patients will have severe forms of this disease, while for others it will be mild. However, most patients will suffer one or more complications at any point in their lives:

• Infections
• Inflammation
• Respiratory failure
• Other complications
• Pneumonia
• Right-sided heart failure
• Bowel problems, such as gallstones, intestinal blockage, and rectal prolapse
• Osteoporosis and arthritis

Damages in a Cystic Fibrosis Case

Any of the aforementioned complications—and their required medical treatment—might add to the damages that a plaintiff could claim in a lawsuit against a medical professional for a wrongful or delayed diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. People with this disease often require additional medical care, and might have difficulty living a normal and productive life. Therefore, a mother and their child living with this disease might be able to recoup both past and future expenses.

Other damages in a cystic fibrosis case might focus on pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other emotional and physical anguish. A persistent cystic fibrosis lawyer could work with a claimant to calculate the breadth of their losses for a Michigan lawsuit.

Help from a Michigan Cystic Fibrosis Attorney

If your newborn has incurred a progressive genetic disorder due to a medical professional’s failure to properly diagnose your condition, you might benefit from consulting a Michigan cystic fibrosis lawyer to discuss your legal options. This should be done as soon as possible, as per the three-year statute of limitations to file a claim, outlined in Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805.

By retaining a seasoned attorney at Buckfire & Backfire, P.C., you could rest assured that a legal professional is helping you with each and every step. To schedule a consultation, call today and begin working on your claim.