Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Different classifications and types of cases could result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health consequences. Birth defects are often caused by medical error or mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects is prevented by the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In some instances birth defects may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects are also caused by complications that occur during pregnancy like the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac, or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These can be diagnosed with a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses can be treated or prevented by a doctor, for example PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects aren't recognized to be the cause. They are called congenital disorders, also known as congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of developing birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples decide if they need to undergo additional tests. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions such as 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, affecting the way that organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be identified by a healthcare professional during pregnancy, before birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are detected by newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be diagnosed by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the condition.

It may not always be possible to know what caused birth defects, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute air and water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a doctor failed to take the proper steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these instances, a claim for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect differ based on the severity and type. Some of them can be fixed before a baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.

The most frequent defects are chromosomal. These are caused by extra or missing genes in a person’s cells. These are typically passed down from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These are usually caused by problems during the growth of the baby's body organs, especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They can also be done later on in life when symptoms start to appear. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take genetic tests for birth defects in order to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that can occur during pregnancy, whereas other can be linked to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Some birth defects can also be due to chemicals that are present in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth injuries and defects persist as a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child who has an issue with their birth that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with cases of birth defects that are not correct. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the excellent service we offer to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for losses, including past and future medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and then work to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Drug makers are required to test their products thoroughly prior to releasing them onto the market and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.