Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Differences in how cases are classified and identified can result in over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects are usually the result of a medical mistake or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In some instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that occur during pregnancy like constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound or blood test. Certain of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Other birth defects have no known reason and are classified as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women who are older than 30 and of certain ethnicities have an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with the same genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to have a baby. This can help them determine if further testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function or the structure of the person. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips or palates or craniofacial anomalies however others are more noticeable, like 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, which are designed to detect certain health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of birth defects, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over the counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or during delivery. Other times, birth defects are due to a physician not taking appropriate steps to stop or treat a recognizable medical problem. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect differ based on its severity and type. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require medical intervention or surgery after the baby's birth.

The most frequent birth defects are chromosomal, resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person's cells. These are usually inherited from the parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. These birth defects are caused by problems with the development of organs in the baby particularly during the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a baby is born or later in life when the first signs begin to appear. These tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo a genetic test for birth defects to determine whether they are prone to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some birth defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, while other can be traced back to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Some birth defects are also caused by certain chemicals that are found in the environment, including pesticides and herbicides, 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 fact. Thankfully many birth defects can be prevented. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical experts. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer 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 have years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only company and take pride in the quality of service we offer our clients. We'll 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 future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages when necessary and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and work diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them onto the market, and inform consumers about any possible adverse consequences. If your child's birth defects resulted from a drug, you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect attorneys defect drug lawyer.