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.

Different classifications and identifications of cases can result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system includes active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with a defect or injury, it can cause serious health problems for the child's future. Birth defects are usually the result of a medical mistake or a doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defect is prevented by taking care of your baby and eating well. In some cases birth defects, they can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, such as the uterine restriction, rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. They can be identified by an ultrasound test or a blood test. Some of these illnesses can be prevented or treated, such as PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no reason and are classified as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women who are older than 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases may wish to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to have a baby. This will help couples determine whether they require further tests. Newborn screening tests are able to identify 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 affect organ function or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be detected by a medical professional during the pregnancy process, at birth, or in early childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable like cleft lips or craniofacial abnormalities and others are not as noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are identified through newborn screening tests which look for a variety of health problems. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also looks for certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It's not always possible to determine the cause of birth defects, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medications, chemical substances that can contaminate the air and water in communities or a problem during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result due to a medical professional failing to take the proper steps to treat or prevent an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these cases there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

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

A few of the most common problems are the chromosomal. They are caused by missing or excess genes within cells of a person. These are typically passed down from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart problems. These problems are caused by issues with the baby's organ development particularly in the initial three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a baby is born or later in life, when symptoms begin to appear. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, while other can be linked to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbalicides like 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 devastating reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child suffering from a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to talk to an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling the claims of wrongful birth. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we are proud on the quality of service we offer our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can concentrate on your child, yourself and your family.

We can assist you in obtaining compensation for your losses, which could include the future and past medical costs and lost income, as well as punitive damages in certain instances, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.

Drug makers are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market and to warn consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication you could start a lawsuit based on product liability with the assistance of a birth defects lawyer for drugs.