Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Different classifications and identifiers of cases can result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health effects. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of doctors during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In some cases birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, such as the uterine limit, rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects result from genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These are easily identified through a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these ailments like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of developing birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic disorders might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they'll need additional tests. Screening tests for newborns can be used to detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can impact organ function or the structure of the individual. Birth defects are often detected by a healthcare professional during pregnancy, at birth or in early childhood. Some birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial defects, are obvious. Other birth defects, however, aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified through newborn screening tests, that look for specific health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It's not always certain what caused a birth defect, however it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes birth defects can be caused by a doctor failing to take the appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical problem. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been discovered, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the defect. Some defects can be addressed before a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the child is born.

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

Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy or after birth. They may also be conducted later in life if signs begin to show. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed towards a particular condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some are due to issues that occur during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy may result in birth defects. Certain birth defects are due to chemicals that are 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 advances in medical science, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Fortunately many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child that has an issue with their birth that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an experienced lawyer as quickly as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience dealing with the claims of wrongful birth. Our firm is a law firm that only accepts plaintiffs practice and we pride ourselves on the quality of service we offer to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking damages, which include past and future medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on market and to warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If your child's birth defects resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you may file a product-liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.