Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Differences in how cases are classified and identified could lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect may have long-term health effects. birth defect lawsuits defects are often the result of a medical mistake or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In some instances, birth defects can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy like the uterine limit, rupture of the amniotic sac or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders which run in families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain illnesses are treatable or preventable with the help of a specialist, such as PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no cause and are known as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to conceive. This can help couples determine if they need to undergo additional testing. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function or the structure of a person. A healthcare provider can detect birth defect law firms defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, craniofacial anomalies or palates however others are more evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected by newborn screening tests that look for specific health issues. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It's not always certain what caused birth defects, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating water and air in communities or a problem during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are caused by a doctor not taking the proper steps to stop or treat a recognizable medical health condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect differ based on the severity and type. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery following the birth of the baby.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart problems. These birth defects are caused by issues with the baby's organ development particularly in the initial three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be conducted during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have an inherited test for birth defects in order to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy could result in birth defects. Some birth defects are also linked to certain chemicals that can be found in the environment, such as pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Fortunately most birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you comprehend your legal options and pursue compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only company and take great pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll help you get rid of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, yourself and your entire family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible outcome.

Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and also warn consumers about any possible adverse consequences. If your child's birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you may make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.