Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and a quarter minutes. These defects can affect the lives of those who are affected for the rest of their lives.

Different classifications and types of cases could result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system will include active case ascertainment, including medical record abstraction as well as a clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects can result from medical negligence or a mistake of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be avoided by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In other cases, they can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, such as uterine constraint, rupture of the amniotic sac, or the lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. These can be detected by a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these diseases are treatable or preventable with the help of a specialist, such as PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a reason and are classified as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women who are over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities have an increased risk of having certain birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases may consider seeing a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples decide if they need to undergo additional testing. Newborn screening tests can identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can impact the way organs function, or the structure of the individual. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or even during the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial irregularities are obvious. Others are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct that carries bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be detected through newborn screening tests, that look for specific health problems. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can easily be identified by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.

It's not always easy to determine the root of a birth defect. However the environment is often associated with. These include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or delivery. Other times birth defects can be caused by a doctor not taking the proper steps to prevent or treat a recognized medical health condition. In these instances, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is diagnosed, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the problem. Some defects can be addressed before the baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.

Many of the most common birth defect lawsuits defects are chromosomal. resultant from the absence of or extra genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically inherited from parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found and neural tube defects and heart issues. They are usually caused by problems with the growth of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for Birth Defect Attorneys defects may be performed during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born or later in life when the first signs begin to appear. These tests can be done through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some are due to complications that happen during a woman's pregnancy, while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. Some birth defects can also be linked to certain chemicals that are found in the environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine birth injuries and defects are an unfortunate fact. Thankfully most birth defects can be avoided. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect a birth defect may be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

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

We can help you pursue compensation for damages including past and future medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages, in some cases, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and work diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

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