Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

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

Causes

When a baby is born with an injury or defect it could cause serious health problems for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects are usually the result of medical error or negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In some cases, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, including the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

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

Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to get pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they require additional testing. Screening tests for newborns are able to identify certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function or the structure of the person. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are detected through newborn screening tests that look for specific health issues. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose some birth defect attorneys defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It's not always it possible to pinpoint the cause of birth defects, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medications, chemical substances that can contaminate the air and water of communities, or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Other times, birth defects are due to a physician failing to take the appropriate measures to avoid or birth defects treat a medical health condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect differ based on the severity and type of birth defect. Some birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention after the baby's birth.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, caused by missing or extra genes in a person's cells. These are typically passed down from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These birth defects are caused by problems with the organ development of the baby especially in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be conducted during pregnancy, after a child is born or later in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests are conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo genetic tests for birth defects to see whether they are susceptible to a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Certain birth defects result from complications that happen during pregnancy, whereas other can be linked to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are also caused by certain chemicals that can be found in the environment, such as herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Thankfully many birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and pursue compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service we offer our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, yourself and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, such as the future and past medical costs loss of income, punitive damages in certain instances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and work hard to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market, and also warn consumers about any possible adverse consequences. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.