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 lifelong effect on the lives of the affected.

Variations in the way cases are classified and identified could lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health effects. Birth defects could be caused by a medical error or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In some cases, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that occur during pregnancy such as the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases which run in families. These can be identified with a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses can be prevented or treated like PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects have no cause and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women who are older than 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities have a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illnesses might consider consulting a genetic counselor before trying to become pregnant. This will help them determine if further testing is needed. Newborn screening tests are able to identify certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part and can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be spotted by a medical professional during pregnancy, during birth or in early childhood. Some birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, are apparent. Other birth defects, however, aren't as obvious as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be detected through newborn screening tests that check for certain types of health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be diagnosed by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be certain what caused a birth defect, however it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating water and air in communities or a problem during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result of a doctor not taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat a known medical health condition. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect can vary based on the severity and type. Certain birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person's cells. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart problems. They are usually caused by issues during the development of a baby's organs, specifically during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy, or after birth. They can also be done later in life if signs start to appear. These tests can be carried out via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have genetic tests for birth defects to see whether they are prone to a specific condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Certain birth defects result from complications that occur during pregnancy, whereas other can be traced to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Some birth defects can also be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine birth injuries and defects remain a tragic reality. Fortunately, many birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice lawyer will help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in settling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we are proud on the quality of service we offer our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child and your entire family.

We can help you seek compensation for any damages, including past and future medical costs, lost income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and will work tirelessly to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug makers are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If your child's birth defects resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you may make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.