Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and half minutes, a baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These birth defect attorney defects can impact the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

Variations in the way cases are classified and identified could lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system includes active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and a clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with an injury or defect it could have serious health effects on the child's life. Birth defects could be caused by an error in medicine or the negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defect can be prevented through the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In other instances they may be the result of environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that happen during pregnancy, including the uterine restriction, rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be identified by the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Certain of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known cause and are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of having birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to have a baby. This will aid them in determining if further tests are required. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, which can be treated right away.

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 individual. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born or during the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial anomalies, are apparent. Others aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that transports the bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected through newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health problems. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be identified by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, based on the type of defect.

It's not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually implicated. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a doctor failed to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent a known medical condition. In these cases it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect differ based on its severity and type. Some can be corrected before the baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical procedures following the birth of the child.

A few of the most common defects are the chromosomal. These are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes within cells of a person. They are typically inherited from parents. These include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart problems. These problems are caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be conducted during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later in life when symptoms start to show. These tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have genetic tests for birth defects in order to determine if they are predisposed to a particular ailment.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are due to issues that occur during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could cause birth defects. Certain birth defects are linked to certain 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 the recent advancements in medicine, birth injuries and defects are an unsettling fact. Fortunately the majority of birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can assist you in understanding the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service we provide to our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can focus on your child, you, and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages, in some cases as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and then work to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers are expected to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market and warn consumers of the potential adverse effects. If your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.