Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can affect the lives of those affected for a lifetime.

Variations in the way cases are identified and classified can lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with a defect, injury or other it can have serious health effects on the child for life. Birth defects are usually caused by a medical mistake or a mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In some cases, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack oxygen to the foetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These can be diagnosed with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases can be prevented or treated by a doctor, for example PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and palate. Certain birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities have an increased risk of having certain birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counselor before trying to become pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they'll need additional tests. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, are easily visible. Some, however, aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct which carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be detected through newborn screening tests that check for some kinds of health issues. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It's not always easy to determine the source of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often implicated. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities or a problem during pregnancy or birth. Other times birth defects can be caused by a medical professional failing to take the appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect differ based on the severity and type. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention after the baby's birth defect law firms.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, resultant from the absence of or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically inherited from the parents. Structural defects include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart issues. These are usually caused by issues with the development of a baby's organs, specifically during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a child is born or later in life when the first signs begin to appear. These tests can be conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have an genetic test for birth defects to determine whether they are susceptible to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some are caused by complications that occur during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the use 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 the recent advancements in medicine, birth injuries and defects remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect the birth defect could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the quality of service we offer to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for damages including future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages when necessary, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the highest possible result.

Drug makers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them to the public, and they must inform consumers about any potential side effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.