Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

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

Causes

If a baby is born with an injury or defect it could have serious health consequences for the child's life. Birth defects are often the result of an error in medical care or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In other instances they could result from environmental factors such as exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy, such as the uterine limit, rupture of the amniotic sac, or the lack of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects result from genetic disorders which run in families. These can be detected by a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses can be prevented or treated by a doctor, for example PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects are not identified as a cause. They are referred to as congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of having birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases might want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to have a baby. This can help them determine if additional testing is needed. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part which affects the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or even during early childhood. Some birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial irregularities are apparent. Some, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are detected by newborn screening tests which look for certain health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.

It may not always be certain what caused birth defect lawyer defects, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This can include exposure to prescription or over-the counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor did not take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the condition. Some can be corrected before the baby is born while others might require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth Defect law firms of the child.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. caused by missing or extra genes in a person's cells. These are typically passed down from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart issues. These defects are caused by problems with the baby's organ development especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They may also be conducted later in life if signs start to appear. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds and blood tests. The patient can also undergo an genetic test for birth defects to see if they are predisposed to a particular ailment.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are caused by issues that occur during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects could be linked to chemicals found in the environment. This includes pesticides as well as herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Thankfully many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child suffering from an anomaly in the birth process that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to speak to an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice attorney can assist you in understanding your legal options and pursue compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling cases involving wrongful births. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and take pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue damages, which include future and past medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible outcome.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to adequately test their products before putting them on market and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, you can file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.