Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Differences in how cases are identified and classified can result in the over- or under-ascertainment certain subtypes 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 the baby is born with an injury or defect it can cause serious health problems for the child’s health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects can result from medical errors or negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be avoided through taking care of your baby and eating well. In other cases they could result from environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxins. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic sac or a deficiency of oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These can be diagnosed with the use of a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Some birth defects are not recognized to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders, or congenital abnormalities.

Women over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities have an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic disorders might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help couples decide if they need to undergo further testing. Screening tests for newborns can help identify certain ailments, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function, or the structure of the person. Birth defects can be identified by a doctor during pregnancy, before birth or in the early stages of childhood. Certain birth defect law firm defects, such as palates, lips or craniofacial defects, are visible. Other birth defects, however, aren’t as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports bile to the liver).

Many birth defect disorders can be identified through newborn screening tests that look for some kinds of health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, depending on the type of defect.

It’s not always it possible to pinpoint the cause of the birth defect, but it is typically linked to environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the water and air in communities, or complications that develop during pregnancy or during delivery. Sometimes birth defects could be caused by a doctor not taking the proper steps to avoid or treat a medical problem. In these cases medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect differ based on the severity and nature of the defect. Some birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention following the birth of the baby.

Most of the most prevalent defects are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes in the cells of a person. These are often inherited from parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lips or neural tube defects as well as heart issues. These birth defects are caused by problems with the organ development of the baby, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defect attorneys defects can be performed during pregnancy, after a child is born or later in life when symptoms start to show. The tests can be conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may undergo a genetic test for birth defects to determine if they’re predisposed towards a particular condition.

Preventing birth defects isn’t always easy. Some birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while others are linked to environmental factors. Birth defects are often caused by the use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects may be linked to the presence of chemicals in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbicides 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 are a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable will help you understand the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for your family’s losses as well as expenses.

Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling cases involving wrongful births. We are a plaintiffs-only company and are proud of the quality of service we provide our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you obtain compensation for your losses, which could include past and future medical costs and lost income, as well as punitive damages in certain instances, and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the best possible outcome.

Drug manufacturers are expected to thoroughly test their products before putting them on market, and to inform consumers of the potential adverse effects. However, if your child’s birth defect was caused by a pharmaceutical medication you may file a product liability lawsuit with the assistance of a birth defects drug lawyer.