Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Different ways in which cases are classified and identified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case assessment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with a defect or injury, it could have serious health effects on the child's future. Birth defects are often caused by an error in medical care or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In some instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus rupture of the amniotic sac or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects result from genetic disorders which run in families. They can be identified by a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these diseases can be treated or prevented with the help of a specialist, such as PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to have a baby. This can aid them in determining if further testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborns can be used to determine certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can impact organ function or the structure of a person. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, birth defects craniofacial anomalies or palates however others are more noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed through newborn screening tests, which check for specific health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic conditions like 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 possible to know what caused birth defects, but it is often associated with environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or birth. Other times, birth defects are due to a physician failing to take appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical problem. In these cases the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect differ based on the severity and type of birth defect. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention after the baby's birth.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal. due to missing or additional genes in a person's cells. They usually come from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. These birth defects are caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later in life when symptoms start to show. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo an inherited test for birth defects to determine whether they are susceptible to a particular ailment.

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

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Thankfully many birth defects can be avoided. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is caring and knowledgeable can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you and birth defects pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and are proud of the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll help you get rid of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for your losses, which could include the future and past medical costs as well as lost income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and work hard to achieve the best result for your family.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to test their products thoroughly before putting them on the market, and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If your child's birth defects resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you can start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.