Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

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

Causes

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

In some instances, birth defects can be avoided by prenatal care and the right nutrition. In some cases birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that run in families. These can be diagnosed with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these ailments can be treated or prevented like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Certain birth defects aren't identified as a cause. They are known as congenital disorders, also known as congenital anomalies.

Women who are older than 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples with a similar history of genetic disorders may want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to conceive. This will help them determine if additional testing is necessary. Newborn screening tests can identify certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects are often detected by a doctor during pregnancy, at birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects, like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial abnormalities, are visible. Some, however, are less obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstructing of the duct which carries an influx of bile to the liver).

Many birth defect (Doodleordie.com) disorders can be detected through newborn screening tests that look for a variety of health issues. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be diagnosed by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the type of defect.

It is not always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually involved. These include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the water and air in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or the birth. Other times birth defects may be due to a physician failing to take appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical health condition. In these cases the possibility of a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is identified, the options for treatment differ depending on the nature and severity of the defect. Certain defects can be corrected prior to the birth of a baby, while others might require surgery or other medical interventions after the baby is born.

Some of the most common issues are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes that are present in cells of a person. They are usually passed down from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart problems. These are typically caused by problems during the growth of the baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be done later on in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds or blood tests. A person could undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a particular disease.

It's not always easy to avoid birth defects. Certain birth defects result from complications that can occur during pregnancy, whereas others can be traced back to environmental factors. Birth defects can be caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are also caused by certain chemicals that can be found in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries remain a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. An empathetic and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience dealing with cases of wrongful birth defect law firms. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice, and we take pride on the excellent service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for losses, including past and future medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages in some instances and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research the case and work tirelessly to ensure that your family gets the best possible result.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing their products to the market, and also warn consumers about any possible adverse negative effects. If your child's birth defects resulted from a drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.