Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases may result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system includes active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can cause long-term health issues. birth Defect attorneys defects are often the result of a medical mistake or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some instances 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 harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may be the result of complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a lack oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that are passed down through families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects are not identified as a cause. They are called congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases may want to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to get pregnant. This will aid them in determining if further tests are required. 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

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body and can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or in early childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial defects, are apparent. Others aren't as obvious as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified by newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic diseases like 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 it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, however it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can include exposure to prescription or non-prescription drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water of communities, or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Other times birth defects may be the result of a doctor not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical disease. In these cases medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been recognized, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the issue. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require medical or surgical intervention after the baby is born.

Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, caused by missing or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They usually come from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart issues. These defects are caused due to problems with the organ development of the baby particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be performed during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to show. The tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to a particular disease.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some are due to complications that occur during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to certain environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could result in birth defects. Some birth defects are also due to chemicals that are present in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical technology, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may be due to the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice attorney will help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have many years of experience in settling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we are proud on the exceptional service we provide to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for losses, including future and past medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages when necessary, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing their products to the market, and inform consumers about any possible adverse effects. If your child's birth defect was caused by a drug you could make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.