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 defects can alter the lives of those who are affected for a lifetime.

Variations in the way cases are identified and classified could lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with a defect or injury, it could have serious health effects on the child's future. Birth defects are often the result of medical error or medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented through proper nutrition and prenatal care. In some cases birth defects, they can be caused through environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture the amniotic sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the foetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. These can be diagnosed with a blood test or ultrasound. Certain illnesses can be prevented or treated like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no cause and are known as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to get pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they require further testing. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body which affects the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defect attorneys defects can be detected by a doctor during pregnancy, at birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial defects, are easily visible. Some, however, are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that transports bile to the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are detected through newborn screening tests which look for specific health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It's not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or the birth. Other times birth defects could be due to a physician not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these instances there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the problem. Some birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal. caused by missing or extra genes in a person's cells. These are usually inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart issues. These are typically caused by issues during the development of the baby's organs, specifically during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

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

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some are caused by complications that happen during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could cause birth defects. Some birth defects can also be linked to chemicals found in the environment. This includes pesticides as well as herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects remain an unsettling fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling the claims of wrongful birth. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and take great pride in the quality of service we provide to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages, in some cases as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and work diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers are expected to adequately test their products before putting them on market and to warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a prescription drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.