Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These defects can alter the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

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

Causes

If the baby is born with a defect, injury or other it could have serious health effects on the child's life. Birth defects could be caused by medical errors or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In some cases birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, such as the uterine limit rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that run in families. They can be detected with a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these ailments can be treated or prevented like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects have no cause and are referred to as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are older than 30 and of certain ethnicities are at an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases may wish to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they require further tests. Newborn screening tests can identify some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect organ function or the structure of a person. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or during early childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders, while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect lawyer defect disorders can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for some kinds of health problems. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are among the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It isn't always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently involved. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor failed to take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is diagnosed, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the issue. Some of them can be fixed before a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.

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

Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They can also be done later in life if signs start to appear. These tests are conducted via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person may also undergo an inherited test for birth defects to determine whether they are prone to a particular condition.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could result in birth defects. Some birth defects are also 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 advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a devastating reality. Thankfully many birth defects can be prevented. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could have been caused due to the negligence of medical experts. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney 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 pride ourselves on the exceptional service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for losses, including past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in some instances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible result.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them onto the market, and warn consumers of any possible side consequences. If your child's birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.