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 birth defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

The way that cases are classified and identified can lead to either under or over-ascertaining 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 could have long-term health effects. Birth defects are often caused by medical error or doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In certain instances, birth defects can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, such as the uterine restriction, rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders which run in families. These can be identified with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known cause and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities have an increased chance of having birth defect attorneys defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illnesses might consider consulting an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they require further testing. Newborn screening tests can identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped 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 provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or during early childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates and others are not as conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests which check for specific 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. A doctor can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It's not always possible to know what caused birth defects, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the air and water of communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are caused by a medical professional not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a recognized medical condition. In these instances, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been diagnosed, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the condition. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention after the baby is born.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, due to missing or additional genes in a person's cells. These are typically passed down from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. These birth defects are caused by problems with the baby's organ development, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be done during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later in life when symptoms start to show. These tests can be done through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an genetic test for birth defects to determine whether they are predisposed to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, whereas others are linked to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may cause birth defects. Some birth defects are also caused by certain chemicals that are found in the environment, including 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 the majority of birth defects can be avoided. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you comprehend the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only company and are proud of the level of service that we provide to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, yourself and your entire family.

We can assist you in obtaining compensation for your losses, which could include future and past medical expenses, lost income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.

Drug manufacturers are expected to thoroughly test their products before putting them on the market and to warn consumers of the potential adverse effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect lawyer.