Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

The way that cases are classified and identified can result in an over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health effects. Birth defects are often caused by an error in medical care or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defect can be prevented by taking care of your baby and eating well. In some instances, birth defects can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can result from complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a lack oxygen to the foetus.

Some birth defects result from genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These can be diagnosed with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Some of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Certain birth defects aren't recognized to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to get pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they'll need additional tests. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function, or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, before birth defect lawyers or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, are visible. Others aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct, which transports an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be detected through newborn screening tests which look for some kinds of health problems. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be identified by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the condition.

It's not always certain what caused birth defects, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or non-prescription medications, chemical substances that can contaminate water and air in communities or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a physician failed to take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these instances, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been recognized, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the problem. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

Some of the most common issues are chromosomal. These are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes within cells of a person. They are usually passed down from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart problems. These problems are caused by problems with the organ development of the baby, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life if signs begin to manifest. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds and blood tests. The patient can also undergo an inherited test for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Certain birth defects result from complications that occur during pregnancy, while other can be traced to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical science, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can assist you in understanding your legal options and seek compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take pride in the level of service that we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages such as past and future medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages when necessary and emotional stress. Our lawyers will 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 them to the public, and they must inform customers about any possible side negative effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defect lawyer.