Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

The way that cases are classified and identified could lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defect lawyer defects. A well-designed system includes active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction and clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects are usually the result of a medical mistake or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In certain instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy such as the uterine restriction, rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects result from genetic disorders that run in families. They can be detected with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Other birth defects are not known to have a reason and are classified as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This can help them determine if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect organ function or the structure of the individual. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born, or in early childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips or palates, or craniofacial disorders however others are more evident, 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 through newborn screening tests, which look for certain health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to identify genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It's not always it possible to pinpoint the cause of birth defects, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate water and air in communities or a problem during pregnancy or delivery. Other times, birth defects are caused by a medical professional not taking appropriate steps to avoid or treat a medical disease. In these instances it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect differ based on the severity and type of birth defect. Some defects can be addressed before a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures following the birth of the child.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, due to missing or additional genes in a person's cells. These are often inherited from parents. Structural birth defect lawyer defects include things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart issues. These defects are caused by issues with the organ development of the baby especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be performed during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later in life, when symptoms begin to appear. The tests can be conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take an genetic test for birth defects to determine whether they are susceptible to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some birth defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, while other can be traced to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may result in birth defects. Some birth defects are also due to chemicals that can be found in the surrounding environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Fortunately many birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical experts. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

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

We can help you seek compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the best possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the public, and they must inform consumers about any potential side consequences. However, if your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.