Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Different classifications and identifications of cases can result in an over- or under-estimated number 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

If the baby is born with an injury or defect it can cause serious health problems for the child's life. Birth defects are often caused by medical error or medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other cases they could result from environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that occur during pregnancy like uterine constraint, rupture of the amniotic sac or the lack of oxygen to the foetus (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 test or a blood test. Certain illnesses are treatable or preventable, such as PKU as well as sickle cell diseases 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 those of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic diseases might want to talk to an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they should undergo additional testing. Screening tests for newborns are able to identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or during early childhood. Some birth defects are visible such as cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates however others are more evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be identified through newborn screening tests that check for specific health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It's not always certain what caused a birth defect, however it is usually linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that can contaminate the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects occur because a doctor did not take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent a known medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is diagnosed, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the problem. Some can be corrected before a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.

A few of the most common defects are chromosomal. These are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes within cells of a person. They usually come from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips as well as 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 for birth defect law firm defects may be conducted during pregnancy, after a person is born or later in life when symptoms start to show. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds and blood tests. A person can have a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Certain birth defect attorneys defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while other can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Certain birth defects are due to 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 advancements in medicine birth injuries and defects are a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child suffering from an issue with their birth that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to speak to an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney will help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and take great pride in the level of service that we provide 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 past and future medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages, in some cases and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them to the market, and also warn consumers about any possible adverse consequences. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a drug, you can start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.