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Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Variations in the way cases are identified and classified can lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review, in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health effects. Birth defects are often the result of an error in medical care or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be prevented by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In certain instances birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack oxygen to the foetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be detected through an ultrasound test or a blood test. Some of these illnesses, such as PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Other birth defects have no known cause and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased chance of developing birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic diseases might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This will aid them in determining if further tests are required. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, which are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body, affecting the way that organs function or the structure of the body. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial anomalies, are visible. Others, however, are less obvious, such as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be 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 disorders such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be identified by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It may not always be certain what caused a birth defect, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the water and air in communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes birth defects may be caused by a doctor failing to take the appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical disease. In these instances medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a diagnosed birth defect are based on its severity and type. Some birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require medical or surgical intervention following the birth of the baby.

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

Screening tests may be performed in the course of pregnancy or after birth. They can also be performed later on in life when symptoms begin to show. The tests can be carried out through ultrasounds and blood tests. One can also take genetic tests for birth defects to determine whether they are susceptible to a particular ailment.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are caused by issues that occur during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may cause birth defects. Some birth defects are due to chemicals that are present in the environment, such as 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. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child that has an anomaly in the birth process that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is crucial to consult an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you understand the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling wrongful birth claims. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice, and we take pride on the high level of service we offer to our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages including past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages when necessary and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and work diligently to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market and to inform consumers of potential side effects. If, however, your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may file a product liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defects drug lawyer.