Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

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

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health consequences. birth defect lawyer defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be prevented through the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In some cases, birth defects can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth problems can be caused by complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a lack of oxygen in the fetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses which run in families. They can be detected with a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses are treatable or preventable like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no known cause and are known as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are older than 30 and of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to conceive. This will help them determine if additional testing is needed. Newborn screening tests can identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function or the structure of a person. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or during early childhood. Some birth defects are visible such as cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders, while others are less conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that check for certain types of health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be identified by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the type of defect.

It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or the birth. Other times, birth defects are caused by a medical professional failing to take appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical problem. In these instances the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is identified, the options for treatment differ based on the type and severity of the defect. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

Most of the most prevalent defects are the chromosomal. They are caused by missing or extra genes in a person’s cells. They are usually passed down from parents. Structural Birth Defect Attorneys defects are things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These defects are caused by issues with the organ development of the baby, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later in life if symptoms start to appear. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person can also have genetic tests for birth defects to determine whether they are susceptible to a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are due to complications that occur during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced to certain environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by certain chemicals that are found in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medical technology, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Fortunately, many birth defect law firms defects can be avoided. If you have a child who has a birth defect that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is essential to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can help you comprehend the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we are proud on the quality of service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in pursuing damages, which include future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances, and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to thoroughly test their products prior to releasing them onto the market, and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If, however your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you could bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.