Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Variations in the way cases are classified and identified can lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects can be caused by medical negligence or a mistake of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and birth Defect lawyers the right nutrition. In certain instances birth defects may be caused through environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, including the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects result from genetic diseases which run in families. These can be diagnosed with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Other birth defects are not known to have a origin and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases might want to talk to a genetic counselor before trying to become pregnant. This can aid them in determining if further tests are required. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part and can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or in early childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial abnormalities, are apparent. Other birth defects, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital cardiac disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile to the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for some kinds of health problems. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be detected by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the type of defect.

It's not always it possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect, however it is often associated with environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate air and water in communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor failed to make the necessary steps to prevent or treat the occurrence of a medical condition. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect vary depending on the severity and type of birth defect. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require medical or surgical intervention after the baby's birth.

Some of the most common problems are chromosomal. They are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes within cells of a person. They are typically passed down from the parents. Structural defects include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart issues. These birth defects are caused by problems with the organ development of the baby particularly in the initial three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be conducted during pregnancy or after birth defect law firms. They can also be performed later in life if symptoms begin to show. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take an genetic test for birth defects to see if they are predisposed to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are due to complications that arise during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are linked to certain chemicals that are found in the natural environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science birth defect attorney injuries and defects continue to be a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice attorney will help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and are proud of the level of service that we provide to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages such as past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages when necessary, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and work diligently to achieve the best result for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to test their products thoroughly before putting them on market and to inform consumers of the potential adverse effects. If, however, your child's birth defect was caused by a drug you could file a product liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.