Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and a quarter minutes. These birth defects can impact the lives of those who are affected for a lifetime.

Different classifications and identifications of cases may result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health consequences. Birth defects are often caused by medical error or negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be prevented by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In other cases they could be the result of environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic substances. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, like uterine constriction, rupture of the sac of amniotic fluid or a lack of oxygen in the foetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses which run in families. These are easily identified through a blood test or an ultrasound. Certain of these ailments, such as PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Some birth defects are not known to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illnesses might consider consulting an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they'll need further testing. Newborn screening tests can identify some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, which are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. A healthcare provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or in early childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable, like cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates while others are less noticeable, like congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests that check for a variety of health issues. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify certain birth defects using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It isn't always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually associated with. This could include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating water and air in communities, or complications during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects occur because a doctor did not take the appropriate steps to prevent or treat an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these cases medical malpractice claims could be pursued.

Treatment

If a birth defect is discovered, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the defect. Certain defects can be corrected prior to the baby is born while others may require surgery or other medical interventions after the baby is born.

A majority of birth defects are chromosomal. resulting from missing or extra genes in a person's cells. These are usually inherited from parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips as well as neural tube defects and heart issues. They are typically caused by problems with the growth of the baby's organs, specifically during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a person is born or later in life when the first signs begin to show. The tests can be carried out by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an genetic test for birth defects to see if they are predisposed to a certain condition.

It's not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some birth defects result from complications that arise during pregnancy, whereas other can be linked to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could cause birth defects. Some birth defects are caused by certain chemicals that are found in the environment, such as pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical technology, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect that the birth defect could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can help you comprehend the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of expert birth defect law firms defect lawyers has many years of experience handling cases of wrongful birth. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and take great pride in the level of service that we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages, including past and future medical costs loss of income, punitive damage in some cases and emotional stress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and work diligently to achieve the best result for your family.

Manufacturers of drugs are required to test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and to inform consumers of possible adverse reactions. 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.