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 have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Variations in the way cases are classified and identified can result in either under or over-ascertaining certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

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

In some cases, birth defects can be avoided by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In certain instances birth defects may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may be the result of complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases that run in families. These can be detected by the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no origin and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of having birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases might consider consulting a genetic counselor before trying to get pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they should undergo further testing. Screening tests for newborns are able to determine certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that can be treated 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 a person. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial abnormalities, are obvious. Others are not as obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries bile to the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are detected through newborn screening tests which look for certain types 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 also checks for certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.

It's not always easy to determine the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually implicated. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor did not take the proper steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these situations, a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been identified, the options for treatment differ based on the type and severity of the condition. Some can be corrected before the baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical interventions after the baby is born.

Most of the most prevalent problems are chromosomal. They are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes in a person’s cells. These are typically passed down from parents. These include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart problems. These defects are caused by issues with the baby's organ development especially in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They can also be done later in life, if symptoms start to appear. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo an genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are susceptible to a particular ailment.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some birth defects result from complications that happen during pregnancy, whereas others are linked to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medical technology, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child suffering from an issue with their birth that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to speak to an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer will help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with wrongful birth cases. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take pride in the quality of service we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for losses, including past and future medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages when necessary, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and work diligently to achieve the best result for your family.

Drug makers are required to adequately test their products before releasing them on the market, and to inform consumers of possible adverse reactions. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect lawyer.