Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and quarter minutes. These birth defects can impact the lives of those affected for a lifetime.

Different classifications and identifiers of cases could result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could cause long-term health issues. Birth defects are usually caused by medical error or doctor's negligence during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defect can be prevented through taking care of your baby and eating well. In certain instances, birth defect attorneys defects can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that happen during pregnancy such as constriction of the uterus rupture of the amniotic sac, or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be identified by an ultrasound or blood test. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Some birth defects are not known to be the cause. They are known as congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic disorders might want to talk to a genetic counselor before trying to become pregnant. This will help them determine if further testing is required. Screening tests for newborns can reveal some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy and after the baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates, while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified through newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also detect certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It's not always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently implicated. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the water and air in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes birth defects could be due to a physician not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a known medical disease. In these cases it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect has been recognized, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the issue. Some birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

The most frequent problems are the chromosomal. They are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes in a person’s cells. They are typically inherited from the parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips or neural tube defects as well as heart problems. They are typically caused by problems during the development of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They can also be performed later on in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an inherited test for birth defect attorneys defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, whereas others can be linked to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science birth injuries and defects persist as a tragic reality. Fortunately many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child with an issue with their birth that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it's essential to consult an expert lawyer as soon as possible. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice attorney can assist you in understanding your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling wrongful birth claims. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take great pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We will relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on your child, yourself, and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages, including future and past medical expenses and lost income, as well as damages for punitive purposes in certain cases and emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and then work to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing their products to the public, and they must inform consumers of any possible side effects. 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 drug lawyer.