Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Differences in how cases are identified and classified can lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes 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

If a baby is born with a defect or injury, it can cause serious health problems for the child's life. Birth defects are often the result of medical error or negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defects birth defects can be prevented 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 happen during pregnancy, including the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects result from genetic disorders which run in families. These can be diagnosed with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain illnesses can be prevented or treated, such as PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no known reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women who are older than 30 and those of certain ethnicities have an increased risk for some birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic disorders might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This can help them determine if further tests are required. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function, or the structure of the individual. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or in 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 carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are detected through newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It may not always be certain what caused birth defects, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This can include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating water and air in communities or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Other times, birth defects are caused by a doctor failing to take appropriate measures to stop or treat a recognizable medical problem. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been discovered, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the defect. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require medical intervention or surgery after the baby's birth.

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from the parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. These birth defects are caused by issues with the development of organs in the baby especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later in life when the first signs begin to show. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an inherited test for birth defects to see if they are predisposed to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Certain birth defects result from complications that occur during pregnancy, while other can be traced to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Some birth defect attorney defects are also due to chemicals that are present in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Thankfully the majority of birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you comprehend your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling 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 you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in obtaining compensation for damages, including past and future medical costs loss of income, punitive damages in certain instances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the highest possible result.

Drug makers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them onto the market, and warn consumers of any possible side consequences. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.