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

Different classifications and identifications of cases may result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects are usually caused by a medical mistake or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other instances they may be the result of environmental factors such as exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus, rupture the amniotic fluid sac or a lack oxygen to the fetus.

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

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases may want to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to conceive. This will help them determine if further testing is necessary. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions like critical congenital defects and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can alter organ function or the structure of the individual. Birth defects can be detected by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, before birth or in early childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious, like cleft lips and palates or craniofacial anomalies, while others are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected through newborn screening tests, which are designed to detect certain health problems. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It may not always be possible to know what caused birth defects, but it is often associated with 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 arise during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects happen due to a medical professional failing to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these instances, a claim for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Some birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, due to missing or additional genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart problems. These birth defects are caused by problems with the baby's organ development particularly in the initial three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be done later in life, if symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed towards a particular condition.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some birth defect lawsuit defects are caused by complications that can occur during pregnancy, while other can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defect attorneys defects could be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite the latest advances in medicine birth injuries and defects continue to be an unsettling fact. Fortunately the majority of birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child with an issue with their birth that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is crucial to consult an expert lawyer as soon as you can. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can assist you in understanding your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take pride in the level of service that we provide to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for any damages, including the future and past medical costs and lost income, as well as damages for punitive in certain circumstances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing their products to the public, and they must inform consumers of any possible side negative effects. If your child's birth defects resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you may file a product-liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.