Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Different ways in which cases are classified and identified can result in the over- or under-ascertainment certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system includes active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with a defect or injury it can have serious health effects on the child for life. Birth defects can be caused by medical errors or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In some instances, birth defects can be caused through environmental factors like 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 an insufficient supply of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects result from genetic disorders that run in families. They can be detected through the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Certain of these diseases are treatable or defect preventable by a doctor, for example PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and cleft palate. Certain birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having sunset hills birth defect lawsuit defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illness might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This can help them determine if additional testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborns can be used to identify certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can impact organ function or the structure of the individual. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible such as cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders 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 can be identified by newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health issues. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also looks for certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be detected by a medical professional via ultrasounds and defect blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It's not always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often involved. This can include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities or a problem during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes birth defects may be caused by a medical professional not taking appropriate steps to avoid or treat a medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a birth defect can vary based on the severity and type of birth defect. Some defects can be addressed before the baby is born while others may require surgery or other medical procedures following the birth of the child.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, resulting from missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically passed down from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart issues. These problems are caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They may also be conducted later on in life when symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take a genetic test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some are caused by complications that happen during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced to certain environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are due to chemicals that are present in the environment, such as herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases involving wrongful births. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and take great pride in the quality of service we provide to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking damages, which include future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages when necessary, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them to the market, and warn consumers about any potential side effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.