Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and a half minutes, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Different ways in which cases are identified and classified can lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain types 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 for life. Birth defects are often caused by medical error or mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other instances they could result from environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxins. Birth problems can be caused by complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.

Some birth defects result from genetic diseases that run in families. These can be diagnosed with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses can be treated or prevented, such as PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and cleft palate. Some birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are known as congenital disorders, also known as congenital abnormalities.

Women who are older than 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having certain birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illness might want to consult a genetic counselor before trying to become pregnant. This can help couples decide if they need to undergo further testing. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, are visible. Others are less obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for specific health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It's not always certain what caused a birth defect, however it is usually linked to environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute water and air in communities or a problem during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defect lawyer defects arise due to a medical professional failing to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these cases it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been diagnosed, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the issue. Some defects can be addressed before a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the baby is born.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, resulting from missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are usually passed down from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart issues. These defects are caused by issues with the organ development of the baby particularly in the initial three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person can also have an genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are due to complications that happen during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could cause birth defects. Certain birth defects could be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. This includes pesticides as well as herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth injuries and defects persist as an unsettling fact. Thankfully the majority of birth defects can be prevented. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate will help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only company and take pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages such as future and past medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in some instances and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and work diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market and to warn consumers of the potential adverse effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a drug, you can start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.