Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and quarter minutes. These birth defects can have a lifelong effect on the lives of those affected.

The way that cases are classified and identified could lead to the over- or under-ascertainment certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect may have long-term health effects. Birth defects are usually the result of an error in medicine or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented by proper nutrition and prenatal care. In other cases they could be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can be caused by complications during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a lack of oxygen in the fetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These can be detected by the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Some of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects are not known to have a origin and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women who are older than 30 and of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic illness might consider consulting a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they require additional tests. Screening tests for newborns can reveal certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections, that can be treated as soon as they are identified.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body, affecting the way that organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be detected by a healthcare professional during pregnancy, during birth or in early childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips or palates or craniofacial anomalies while others are less evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are detected by newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health problems. PKU congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also looks for certain genetic diseases like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.

It's not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually involved. This could include exposure to prescription or over the counter medicines, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water of communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or delivery. Other times gatesville birth defect attorney defects may be due to a physician failing to take the appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical health condition. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a birth defect can vary based on the severity and type of point pleasant birth defect Attorney defect. Some defects can be addressed before a baby is born, while others might require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.

Some of the most common disorders are chromosomal. These are caused by extra or missing genes in the cells of a person. These are often inherited from parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lips or neural tube defects as well as heart problems. These problems are caused by issues with the development of organs in the baby, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be performed during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later on in life when the first signs begin to appear. These tests can be performed by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an inherited test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a certain condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, whereas others can be traced back to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Some birth defects are due to chemicals that are found in the natural environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the recent advancements in medicine birth injuries and defects continue to be an unsettling fact. 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. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and pursue compensation for your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service we offer 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 pursue damages, which include future and past medical expenses, loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family receives the best possible outcome.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on the market and to warn consumers of the potential adverse effects. If your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug you may be able to start a lawsuit based on product liability with the help of a birth defects drug lawyer.