Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Differences in how cases are classified and identified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with a defect or injury it could have serious health consequences for the child's life. Birth defects can result from medical errors or negligence of doctors during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented by taking care of your baby and eating well. In other instances, they can result from environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may be the result of complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a lack of oxygen to the foetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders which run in families. They can be detected through an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain illnesses can be treated or prevented by a doctor, for example PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Certain birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are known as congenital disorders or congenital abnormalities.

Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities have an increased risk for some birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they should undergo further testing. Newborn screening tests are able to determine certain conditions, such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function, or the structure of the individual. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born or during early childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious, like cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders however others are more obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many Birth defect attorney defect conditions are detected through newborn screening tests that look for specific health issues. These include PKU as well as congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It isn't always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually involved. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the air and water of communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are caused by a medical professional failing to take appropriate measures to stop or treat a recognizable medical health condition. In these situations, a claim for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a birth defect differ based on the severity and type. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical intervention or surgery after the baby is born.

Some of the most common defects are chromosomal. They are caused by missing or excess genes in the cells of a person. They usually come from parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lip, neural tube defects and heart problems. These birth defects are caused by problems with the organ development of the baby particularly in the initial three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They can also be done later in life, if symptoms start to appear. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds and blood tests. One can undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Certain birth defects result from complications that occur during pregnancy, whereas other can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Fortunately the majority of birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice lawyer will help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only company and take great pride in the quality of service we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages including future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases, and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.

Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them to the market, and also warn customers about any possible side consequences. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.