Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects can alter the lives of those affected for a lifetime.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases can result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with an injury or defect it could cause serious health problems for the child for life. Birth defects can be caused by medical errors or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be prevented by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In other cases they may be caused by environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy, such as the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be identified with a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are called congenital disorders, also known as congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities have an increased risk for some birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic disorders might consider consulting a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This will help them determine if additional testing is needed. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body, affecting the way that organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be identified by a medical professional during pregnancy, before birth or in early childhood. Some birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial irregularities are visible. Some, however, aren't as obvious as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for some kinds of health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Certain Birth defect attorney defects can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It may not always be possible to know what caused a birth defect, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects are due to a physician not taking appropriate steps to stop or treat a recognizable medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect differ based on the severity and nature of the defect. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal, resulting from missing or extra genes in a person's cells. They usually come from the parents. Structural defects include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart issues. They are usually caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be performed during pregnancy, after a person is born, or later in life when symptoms start to appear. The tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some are caused by issues that occur during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. Birth defects can be caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are related to chemicals that can be found in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science birth injuries and defects continue to be an unsettling fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child with a birth defect that may be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to speak to an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of expert birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases of wrongful birth. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and take pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can focus on yourself, your child, birth Defect attorney and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, including the future and past medical costs as well as lost income, punitive damage in some cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and will work tirelessly to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing their products to the market, and inform customers about any possible side consequences. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.