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Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

The way that cases are identified and classified could lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain subtypes 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

A baby born with injuries or defects could have long-term health consequences. Birth defects are often the result of an error in medical care or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases, birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In some instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy, such as the uterine restriction, rupture of the amniotic sac or the inability to supply oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that run in families. They can be detected through a blood test or ultrasound. Certain of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known reason and are classified as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are older than 30 and are of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic disorders might want to talk to a genetic counselor prior to get pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they'll need further testing. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that can be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can affect organ function or the structure of the person. A healthcare professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or during early childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and craniofacial abnormalities however others are more conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are diagnosed by newborn screening tests, which are designed to detect certain health issues. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also looks for certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. A healthcare professional can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It's not always possible to determine the cause of birth defects, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription or non-prescription medications, chemical substances that can contaminate the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes, birth defects are caused by a medical professional failing to take the appropriate measures to prevent or treat a known medical condition. In these situations it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be filed.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect can vary based on the severity and type. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.

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

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a child is born, or later in life, when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be conducted through ultrasounds and blood tests. The patient can also undergo genetic tests for birth defects in order to determine whether they are predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some birth defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, whereas other are linked to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Some birth defects are also related to chemicals that can be found in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Fortunately most birth defects can be avoided. It is imperative to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and experienced medical malpractice lawyer will help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation to cover your family's costs and losses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. Our firm is a plaintiff-only practice, and we take pride on the high level of service we provide to our clients. We'll 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, loss of income, punitive damages in some instances as well as emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and work diligently to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Drug makers are required to test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If your child's birth defects were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you may bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect drug lawyer.