Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and types of cases can lead to an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health consequences. Birth defects could be caused by medical errors or negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be prevented by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In certain instances birth defects may be caused through environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that arise during pregnancy like the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac, or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the foetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be detected through the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Some of these illnesses are treatable or preventable like PKU and sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects have no known cause and are referred to as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of having birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to conceive. This can help couples decide whether they should undergo additional testing. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions such as critical congenital defects, and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can impact organ function or the structure of the person. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial defects, are easily visible. Other birth defects, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified through newborn screening tests that look for specific health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also a way to identify certain genetic illnesses such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can easily be identified by a medical professional via ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It may not always be possible to determine the cause of birth defects, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes birth defects may be the result of a doctor not taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat a known medical health condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the defect. Some birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

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 typically passed down from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart problems. These are usually caused by problems with the development of the baby's body organs, especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests may be performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They can also be done later in life if symptoms begin to manifest. The tests can be carried out via ultrasounds and blood tests. A person could undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular disease.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, whereas others are linked to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are linked to certain chemicals that can be found in the environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the latest advances in medicine birth injuries and defects persist as an unfortunate fact. Fortunately, many birth defect law firms (you can try these out) defects can be avoided. If you have a child who has an anomaly in the birth process that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is essential to consult an expert lawyer as soon as possible. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can assist you in understanding your legal options and seek compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

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

We can help you obtain compensation for damages, such as the future and past medical costs and lost income, as well as damages for punitive purposes in certain cases as well as emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the highest possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and also warn consumers about any possible adverse negative effects. If, however, your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug, you could make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.