Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Different classifications and types of cases can result in an over- or underestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When a baby is born with a defect or injury it can have serious health consequences for the child for life. Birth defects are usually caused by a medical mistake or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In some cases birth defects may be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can result from complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack of oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that run in families. They can be detected with a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Some birth defects aren't known to have a cause. They are called congenital disorders, also known as congenital anomalies.

Women over 30 and of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic diseases might consider consulting a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they should undergo additional testing. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, which can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body, affecting the way that organs function or the structure of the body. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or even during early childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and palates or craniofacial anomalies, while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that check for certain types of health problems. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.

It is not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However the environment is often associated with. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute air and water in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or delivery. Other times birth defect Attorneys defects could be caused by a doctor not taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat a recognized medical disease. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect vary depending on the severity and type. Some can be corrected before a baby is born, while others may require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth of the child.

A few of the most common problems are the chromosomal. These are caused by the presence of extra or missing genes that are present in cells of a person. These are often inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips, neural tube defects, and heart issues. These are usually caused by problems with the development of a baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be done during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to show. These tests can be done through ultrasounds or blood tests. The patient can also undergo an genetic test for birth defects to determine whether they are predisposed to a particular ailment.

It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some are due to issues that occur during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced to certain environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects could be linked to chemicals found in the environment. This includes 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 defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Many birth defect law firms defects can be avoided. If you have a child that has a birth defect that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's essential to consult an expert lawyer as soon as possible. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and are proud of the quality of service we provide to our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for damages including future and past medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages, in some cases and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the best possible outcome.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to test their products thoroughly prior to releasing them onto the market, and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. However, if your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may be able to make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer for drugs.