Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and a quarter minutes. These birth defects can have a lasting effect on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and identifiers of cases could result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system includes active case assessment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects are usually caused by an error in medical care or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In other cases they could be the result of environmental factors such as exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus, rupture the amniotic sac or a lack oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses which run in families. These can be detected by an ultrasound or blood test. Certain illnesses can be treated or prevented like PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and cleft palate. Some birth defects are not identified as a cause. They are called congenital disorders, also known as congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and of certain ethnicities have an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases might want to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to conceive. This can help couples decide whether they require further tests. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect organ function or the structure of the individual. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy and birth defect law firms after the baby is born, or even during early childhood. Some birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial irregularities are easily visible. Others, however, aren't as obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct, which transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified through newborn screening tests, which look for certain health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be detected by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be possible to know what caused the birth defect, but it is often associated with environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating air and water in communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a doctor failed to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these cases, a claim for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect are based 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 interventions after the child is born.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. These are typically passed down from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lips or neural tube defects as well as heart problems. These problems are caused by problems with the development of organs in the baby, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

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

It is not always simple to prevent Birth Defect law firms defects. Some are due to complications that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by certain chemicals that can be found in the surrounding environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice attorney will help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we are proud on the excellent service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages, in some cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the market and to warn consumers of potential side effects. If your child's birth defect was caused by a drug you may file a product liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.