Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

The way that cases are classified and identified could lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system can include active case assessment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health effects. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of a doctor during pregnancy.

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

Some birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be detected by an ultrasound or blood test. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Some birth defects are not identified as a cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are older than 30 and are of certain ethnicities have an increased risk for some birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help them determine if further testing is necessary. 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 part of the body, affecting the way that organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be spotted by a healthcare provider during the pregnancy process, at birth, or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, like palates, lips, or craniofacial abnormalities, are apparent. Some, however, are less obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for specific health problems. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It's not always easy to determine the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually implicated. This can be due to exposure to prescription or non-prescription medicines, chemical substances that pollute water and air in communities or complications during pregnancy or delivery. Other times, birth defects are the result of a doctor failing to take appropriate measures to prevent or treat a recognized medical problem. In these instances it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is identified, the options for treatment vary depending on the type and severity of the problem. Some can be corrected before the baby is born while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.

Some of the most common defects are chromosomal. These are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes in the cells of a person. These are often inherited from parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found, neural tube defects, and heart issues. These problems are caused by issues with the development of organs in the baby particularly in the initial three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They are also able to be done later on in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to a particular disease.

Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Some are due to complications that arise during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be linked to chemicals found 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 defect law firms defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Fortunately, many birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may be due to the negligence of medical experts. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have many years of experience in settling wrongful birth defect lawyers claims. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for damages such as past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages, in some cases and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly prior to releasing them onto the market, and to inform consumers of possible adverse reactions. If your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug you may be able to start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.