Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Variations in the way cases are classified and identified can result in over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed system includes active case assessment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health consequences. Birth defects can result from an error in medicine or the negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In certain instances birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that run in families. They can be identified by an ultrasound or blood test. Certain illnesses can be prevented or treated by a doctor, for example PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defect lawsuit defects are not identified as a cause. They are called congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having certain birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illness might want to consult a genetic counselor before trying to get pregnant. This will aid them in determining if further testing is required. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, which can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function or the structure of a person. Birth defects are often detected by a healthcare professional during pregnancy, at birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible such as cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates however others are more obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be detected through newborn screening tests that check for certain types of health issues. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the condition.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, however it is usually linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a physician failed to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent a known medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been identified, the options for treatment differ based on the type and severity of the defect. Certain defects can be corrected prior to the birth of a baby, while others might require surgery or other medical procedures after the baby is born.

Most of the most prevalent defects are the chromosomal. They are caused by extra or missing genes that are present in cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lips or neural tube defects as well as heart problems. They are usually caused by issues with the development of the baby's body organs, especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy, or following birth. They can also be performed later in life if symptoms begin to show. The tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can have a genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, while other can be linked to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are related to chemicals that are present in the natural environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice and we pride ourselves on the excellent service we offer to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, such as future and past medical expenses loss of income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the highest possible result.

Drug makers must test their products thoroughly before releasing their products to the market, and warn consumers about any potential side negative effects. If, however, your child's birth defect was caused by a drug, you could start a lawsuit based on product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.