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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 could have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

Different classifications and types of cases can lead to an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with a defect or injury, it can cause serious health issues for the child for life. Birth defects are often caused by an error in medicine or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defect is prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In certain instances birth defects may be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects are also caused by complications that happen during pregnancy like the uterine restriction, rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defect lawsuit defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These can be detected by an ultrasound test or a blood test. Certain of these diseases can be treated or prevented like PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are known as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illnesses might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This will help them determine if further testing is needed. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can alter organ function or the structure of the individual. Birth defects can be spotted by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, at birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable such as cleft lips and palates, or craniofacial disorders while others are less conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be identified by newborn screening tests which look for some kinds of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It is not always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually implicated. This may include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate water and air in communities, or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects happen because a doctor failed to take the proper steps to treat or prevent an existing medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

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

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

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later on in life, when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular disease.

Preventing birth defects is not always easy. Some birth defects result from complications that occur during pregnancy, whereas other are linked to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can also be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. This includes pesticides as well as herbicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical science, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Fortunately many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child who has a birth defect that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is crucial to consult an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can help you comprehend the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for your family's losses and expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride 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 assist you in pursuing compensation for damages such as future and past medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in some instances and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.

Drug makers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them onto the market, and also warn consumers of any possible side negative effects. If your child's birth defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication you may make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.