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.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified could lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and a clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects are usually caused by a medical mistake or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and good nutrition. In some instances birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, such as the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound or blood test. Certain of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known cause and are known as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities have a higher chance of developing birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to get pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they should undergo further testing. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function, or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be identified by a healthcare professional during pregnancy, during birth or in the early stages of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial disorders while others are less conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are detected through newborn screening tests which check for specific health problems. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the type of defect.

It's not always easy to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently implicated. These include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects happen due to a medical professional failing to take the proper steps to treat or prevent an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect vary depending on the severity and type. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby's birth.

Some of the most common defects are the chromosomal. They are caused by extra or missing genes in a person’s cells. These are typically passed down 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 organ development of the baby particularly in the initial three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy, or after birth. They may also be conducted later on in life when symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic testing for birth defect lawyers defects to determine if they're predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some are due to complications that happen during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could lead to birth defects. Certain birth defects are related to chemicals that are 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 medical science, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Thankfully most birth defects can be avoided. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney will help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service we offer to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in pursuing damages, which include future and past medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages 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.

Drug makers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them onto the public, and they must inform consumers about any possible adverse negative effects. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a drug, you may make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.