Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

The way that cases are classified and identified could lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment, 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 a medical error or negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defect law firm defects can be prevented with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In some cases, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy like the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac, or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be detected through an ultrasound or blood test. Certain of these diseases are treatable or preventable with the help of a specialist, such as PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases might consider consulting a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help them determine if additional testing is necessary. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could 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. Birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider during the pregnancy process, at birth, or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, are visible. Other birth defects, however, aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct which carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defects are detected through newborn screening tests that look for specific health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defect law firms defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It may not always be it possible to pinpoint the cause of the birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can include exposure to prescription or over-the counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water of communities or a problem during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a physician failed to take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect vary depending on the severity and type of birth defect. Certain birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal. due to missing or additional genes in a person's cells. They usually come from parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lip or neural tube defects as well as heart problems. These birth defects are caused by issues with the development of organs in the baby, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They can also be done later in life if symptoms begin to manifest. These tests are conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have genetic tests for birth defects in order to determine whether they are susceptible to a particular condition.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, whereas other can be traced to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Some birth defects are linked to certain chemicals that are present in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Thankfully many birth defects are preventable. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we are proud on the excellent service we offer 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 pursuing damages, which include past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages, in some cases, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible result.

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