Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These birth defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and identifiers of cases could result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment, which includes medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

If a baby is born with a defect, injury or other it can have serious health effects on the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects can result from a medical error or negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defects can be avoided with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In other cases they could be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects are also caused by complications that happen during pregnancy such as uterine constraint rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders which run in families. These can be diagnosed with a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth Defect Attorney defects have no known origin and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women who are over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic diseases might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help them determine if further testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborns are able to detect certain conditions like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function, or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be spotted by a doctor during the pregnancy process, at birth, or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable like cleft lips or palates, or craniofacial disorders, while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are diagnosed through newborn screening tests that check for specific health issues. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also looks for certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be identified by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It isn't always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently implicated. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects occur due to a medical professional failing to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent a known medical condition. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

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

Some of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, due to missing or additional genes in a person's cells. They are typically inherited from the parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. They are typically caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be done during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later on in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be done through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they're predisposed to a particular disease.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some birth defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, while other can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could be the result of the negligence of medical experts. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling cases involving wrongful births. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice, and we take pride on the exceptional service we offer to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for losses, including past and future medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the most favorable possible result.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to thoroughly test their products prior to releasing them onto the market and warn consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.