Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These birth defects can impact the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

Different classifications and identifiers of cases can result in an under- or overestimated number 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

When the baby is born with a defect, injury or other it could have serious health consequences for the child's future. Birth defects are often the result of a medical mistake or a mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases birth defects is prevented by the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In other instances they could be caused by environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects are also caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, including the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that are passed down through families. These are easily identified through a blood test or ultrasound. Certain illnesses are treatable or preventable by a doctor, for example PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are known as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women who are older than 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic disorders may consider seeing a genetic counselor before trying to get pregnant. This can help them determine if additional testing is needed. Screening tests for newborns can be used to determine certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that can 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 professional during pregnancy, during birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial defects, are easily visible. Some, however, are less obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for a variety of health issues. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle Cell Disease are just a few of the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can easily be identified by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests in pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It isn't always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently associated with. 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 birth. Other times birth defects may be due to a physician failing to take appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect are based on its severity and type. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention after the baby is born.

Most of the most prevalent defects are the chromosomal. These are caused by extra or missing genes that are present in cells of a person. They usually come from the parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart issues. They are usually caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be done during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later in life when symptoms start to show. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Some are caused by complications that occur during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to specific environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Some birth defect law firms defects can also be attributed to chemicals that are present in the environment. This includes pesticides as well as herbalicides such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Thankfully, many birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could have been caused due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options that you have and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in handling cases of wrongful birth defect lawsuit. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and are proud of the quality of service we provide 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 damages, including past and future medical costs loss of income, punitive damage in some cases as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible result.

Drug makers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the public, and they must inform consumers about any possible adverse consequences. If your child's birth defects were caused by a prescription drug, you can start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the help of a Birth defect attorneys defect drug lawyer.