Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases may result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system includes active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction and clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects are usually the result of a medical mistake or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In some cases birth defects may be caused through environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that happen during pregnancy such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be detected with tests for blood or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses are treatable or preventable like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Some birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are known as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with the same genetic disorders may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to have a baby. This can help couples decide whether they require additional tests. Newborn screening tests are able to identify certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function, or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be identified by a healthcare professional during pregnancy, during birth or in early childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips or craniofacial anomalies or palates and others are not as noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for specific health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be identified by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It's not always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often associated with. These include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a doctor failed to take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these situations, a claim for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been discovered, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the condition. Certain birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

The most frequent defects are the chromosomal. They are caused by extra or missing genes within cells of a person. They are typically passed down from parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These problems are caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be conducted during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to show. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds and blood tests. A person may also undergo genetic tests for birth defects in order to determine whether they are predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are due to complications that occur during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects could be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. This includes pesticides as well as herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a tragic reality. Fortunately many birth defects can be avoided. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can assist you in understanding your legal options and pursue compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in settling wrongful birth claims. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and are proud of the quality of service we offer our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, you, and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages such as past and future medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and then work to achieve the best result for your family.

Drug makers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market, and also warn consumers of any possible side negative effects. If your child's birth defect attorneys defects were caused by a prescription drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.