Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of those affected.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified can lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could have long-term health consequences. birth defect attorney defects can be caused by medical errors or negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects is prevented by the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In other instances they may result from environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that run in families. These are easily detected with the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects are not known to have a origin and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women who are over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities have a higher risk of having certain birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic disorders may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help them determine if additional testing is required. Newborn screening tests are able to determine certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body which affects the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible such as cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates however others are more obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for specific 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 like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.

It's not always possible to know what caused the birth defect, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water of communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a doctor failed to take the proper steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these instances it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect differ based on the severity and nature of the defect. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

Most of the most prevalent issues are chromosomal. They are caused by missing or extra genes in the cells of a person. These are typically passed down from parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart issues. These defects are caused due to issues with the development of the baby's organs, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that can occur during pregnancy, while other can be linked to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be related to chemicals that are present in the environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child with a birth defect that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to speak to an experienced lawyer as quickly as possible. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the exceptional service we offer to our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you obtain compensation for any damages, including the future and past medical costs and lost income, as well as punitive damages in certain instances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the market and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If, however your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you could file a product liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defects drug lawyer.