Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

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

Causes

If the baby is born with a defect or injury it can cause serious health problems for the child's future. Birth defects could be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be avoided with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In certain instances birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy such as uterine constraint rupture of the amniotic sac or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that run in families. These are easily identified through tests for blood or an ultrasound. Some of these ailments can be prevented or treated with the help of a specialist, such as PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects are not recognized to be the cause. They are called congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illnesses might want to talk to an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they require additional testing. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects are often detected by a healthcare provider during the pregnancy process, at birth, or in the early stages of childhood. Certain birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial defects, are obvious. Other birth defects, however, are less obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified by newborn screening tests which look for certain health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It is not always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently implicated. This could be due to 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 the birth. Other times, birth defects are the result of a doctor not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a recognized medical health condition. In these instances the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect can vary based on the severity and type. Some of them can be fixed before the baby is born while others may require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth of the child.

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal. due to missing or additional genes in a person's cells. They are typically passed down from parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart problems. They are typically caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They are also able to be done later in life, if symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be carried out through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an inherited test for birth defects to determine whether they are prone to a specific condition.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are due to issues that occur during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could lead to birth defect lawyer defects. Some birth defects are caused by certain 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 recent advances in medical technology, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Fortunately most birth defects can be prevented. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you understand the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has many 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 excellent service we offer to our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in obtaining compensation for your losses, which could include the future and past medical costs, lost income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible outcome.

Drug makers are required to adequately test their products before releasing them on the market, and to inform consumers of possible adverse reactions. If, however your child's birth defect was caused by a drug, you could start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.