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 the affected.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified can lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with a defect or injury it can have serious health consequences for the child's life. Birth defects are usually the result of an error in medical care or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In some cases birth defects may be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects are also caused by complications that happen during pregnancy such as the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

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

Women who are over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities are at an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to get pregnant. This can help them determine if further tests are required. Newborn screening tests are able to identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which affects the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be detected by a doctor during pregnancy, before birth or in the early stages of childhood. Certain birth defect lawsuit defects are obvious such as cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates and others are not as conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for certain types of health problems. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or non-prescription drugs, chemical substances that contaminate water and air in communities or a problem during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes birth defects could be caused by a doctor failing to take the appropriate measures to prevent or treat a recognized medical disease. In these cases medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

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

A few of the most common issues are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes in the cells of a person. These are typically passed down from parents. These include cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. They are typically caused by problems during the growth of the baby's organs, specifically during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They may also be conducted later in life if symptoms start to appear. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take an genetic test for birth defects to see whether they are predisposed to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some are due to complications that happen during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to certain environmental elements. Birth defects are often caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be linked to chemicals found 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 the recent advances in medical technology, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Fortunately, many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child who has a birth defect that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's crucial to consult an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only company and take pride in the quality of service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages such as past and future medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and [Redirect-Java] will work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

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