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 birth defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and identifications of cases may result in an under- or birth defect lawyers overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

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

In some cases birth defects can be prevented by the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In other instances they could be the result of environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can be caused by complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack oxygen to the foetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound or blood test. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no cause and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illnesses might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help them determine if further testing is required. Screening tests for newborns are able to identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born, or even during early childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed by 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 can also be used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be detected by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the defect.

It's not always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually involved. This can include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water of communities, or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Other times birth defects can be due to a physician not taking the proper steps to stop or treat a recognizable medical condition. In these situations, a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect differ based on the severity and nature of the defect. Some of them can be fixed before the baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures after the baby is born.

Some of the most common disorders are chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes within cells of a person. These are often inherited from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart problems. These are typically caused by problems with the development of a baby's organs, specifically during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later in life if symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to specific environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a devastating reality. Fortunately many birth defect law firms defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice and we pride ourselves on the exceptional service we provide to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages such as past and future medical expenses, loss of income, birth defect lawyers punitive damages in some instances and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and also warn consumers about any potential side consequences. If, however your child's birth defect was caused by a drug, you could file a product liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.