Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease usually characterized by lung problems, which limit the lifespan on average to 30 to 40 years. The body generates abnormally thick mucus, which clogs the pancreas (which helps to break up and absorb food) and the lungs.
Many children with cystic fibrosis suffer from these symptoms:
- Chronic lung disease, caused by continuing infections
- Pancreatic deficiencies
- Belly pain and distended abdomen
- Recurrent pneumonia
- Difficulty gaining weight
Contact The Becker Law Firm to speak with one of our Ohio cystic fibrosis attorneys today. We can be reached online or by phone at 216-621-3000.
Detection of Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis can only be passed on to a child if both parents have a defective gene. One in 29 Caucasian Americans carry the trait, and the gene is detectable in 60 to 90% of carriers, depending on the type of test used. Parents can be easily tested to see if they carry the gene.
During the pregnancy, cystic fibrosis can be detected by amniocentesis (testing the fluid surrounding the baby) or by testing the placenta.
Cystic Fibrosis Lawsuits in Ohio
There are several types of medical malpractice lawsuits that can arise when a child is born with cystic fibrosis:
- The first type of lawsuit is known as wrongful pregnancy. A woman who receives donor eggs, sperm, or embryos may file a lawsuit against the company and physician who failed to screen the donor for cystic fibrosis.
- A related lawsuit occurs when a couple planning to have a child receives genetic counseling. If the tests are performed improperly or misread, the couple may not realize that they are at risk of delivering a child with cystic fibrosis.
- The third type of lawsuit can arise when doctors fail to offer or properly perform genetic testing on the fetus in utero. There are tests that can determine whether a fetus has cystic fibrosis, and those tests can be performed early enough to allow parents the option of terminating the pregnancy. These lawsuits are called wrongful birth and wrongful life lawsuits—not all states permit these types of lawsuits.
Contact Us for More Information
If you have a child who was born with cystic fibrosis, and your obstetrician either failed to offer genetic counseling early in the pregnancy, or the genetic testing did not detect your child’s cystic fibrosis, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Contact our Ohio cystic fibrosis lawyers at 216-621-3000.
