Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

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

Different ways in which cases are identified and classified can 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 an injury or defect may cause long-term health issues. Birth defects are often the result of an error in medicine or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be avoided by taking care of prenatal care and a proper nutrition. In other cases, they can be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can result from complications in pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus or rupture of the amniotic fluid sac or a lack of oxygen in the fetus.

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that run in families. They can be identified by an ultrasound or blood test. Some of these ailments are treatable or preventable with the help of a specialist, such as PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women who are over 30 and are of certain ethnicities have an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic disorders might want to consult an expert in genetics prior to trying to get pregnant. This can help couples determine if they need to undergo further tests. Screening tests for newborns can be used to determine certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that could be treated right away.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function or the structure of a person. Birth defects can be spotted by a doctor during pregnancy, at birth or in the early stages of childhood. Some birth defects, such as cleft lips, palates or craniofacial irregularities are apparent. Others aren't as obvious as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile to the liver).

Many birth defect conditions are diagnosed through newborn screening tests that look for certain types of health problems. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle Cell Disease are among the conditions that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome. A doctor can detect certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be certain what caused a birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This may include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water in communities or complications during pregnancy or birth. Other times birth defects can be caused by a doctor failing to take the appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical problem. In these cases it is possible to file a lawsuit for birth defect lawyers medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is identified, the options for treatment differ based on the type and severity of the issue. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require surgery or medical intervention following the birth of the baby.

A few of the most common disorders are the chromosomal. They are caused by missing or extra genes that are present in cells of a person. They are typically inherited from the parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lips, neural tube defects and heart issues. These defects are caused by problems with the baby's organ development especially in the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects can be done during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or later on in life when symptoms begin to appear. These tests are conducted via ultrasounds and blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always straightforward. Some are due to complications that occur during the pregnancy of a woman, while others can be traced back to specific environmental elements. Birth defects are often caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are 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 the recent advances in medical technology, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Thankfully the majority of birth defects can be avoided. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer if you suspect that a birth defect may be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can help you understand the legal options that are available to you and seek compensation for the loss of your family as well as expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect law firm defect lawyers (read this article) has many years of experience in handling cases involving wrongful births. We are a firm that is plaintiffs-only and birth defect lawyers take pride in the quality of service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you obtain compensation for damages, such as past and future medical costs loss of income, punitive damages in certain instances, and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and then work to achieve the best result for your family.

Drug makers are required to thoroughly test their products before putting them on the market and to inform consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If, however, 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.