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 impact the lives of those affected for a lifetime.

The way that cases are classified and identified can lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case assessment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health effects. Birth defects can be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be prevented by taking care of your baby and eating well. In other instances they could result from environmental factors such as exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy such as the uterine limit, rupture of the amniotic sac or the lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. They can be detected through an ultrasound or blood test. Certain of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or attorneys prevented. Certain birth defects aren't recognized to be the cause. They are called congenital disorders or congenital abnormalities.

Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic disorders may want to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to get pregnant. This can aid them in determining if further tests are required. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body, affecting the way that organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects are often detected by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, before birth or in the early stages of childhood. Certain birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial irregularities are visible. Other birth defects, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect lawsuits defects can be identified through newborn screening tests, which check for specific health issues. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It's not always certain what caused a birth defect, however it is usually linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or non-prescription medicines, chemical substances that pollute water and air in communities, or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects occur because a doctor did not take the proper steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these situations the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect vary depending on the severity and type of birth defect. Some can be corrected before the baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical procedures after the baby is born.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal. caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from parents. These include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart issues. These are typically caused by issues during the development of a baby's organs and tissues, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later in life if symptoms start to appear. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds and blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are due to issues that occur during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to specific environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Some birth defects can also be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine birth injuries and defects persist as a tragic fact. Fortunately many birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you understand the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling wrongful birth claims. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and are proud of the quality of service we provide to our clients. We'll help you get rid of the burden so that you can focus on your child, and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, including the future and past medical costs, lost income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases, and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to achieve the best result for your family.

Drug makers are required to thoroughly test their products before putting them on market, and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.