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 impact on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases could result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system can include active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and clinical review and passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with a defect or injury can have long-term health consequences. Birth defects are often the result of a medical mistake or a medical error made by a doctor during pregnancy.

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

Certain birth defects result from genetic disorders which run in families. They can be detected through an ultrasound or blood test. Certain illnesses can be prevented or treated, such as PKU as well as sickle cell diseases and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are known as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of developing birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic disorders might want to talk to an expert in genetics prior to trying to get pregnant. This will aid them in determining if further testing is necessary. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that can 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 the person. Birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, at birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips, palates, or craniofacial disorders and others are not as conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect issues can be detected through newborn screening tests which look for a variety of health issues. PKU, congenital Hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It’s not always possible to determine the root of a birth defect. However environmental factors are frequently associated with. This can include exposure to prescription or over-the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Sometimes birth defects could be caused by a medical professional failing to take appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical health condition. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect can vary based on its severity and type. Some can be corrected before the birth of a baby, while others might require surgery or other medical interventions following the birth of the child.

Most of the most prevalent defects are chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes in a person’s cells. These are usually inherited from parents. Birth defects with structural causes include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. These are typically caused by issues with the growth of the baby’s organs, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo a genetic test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are prone to a particular condition.

It’s not always easy to prevent birth defects. Some are caused by complications that arise during a woman’s pregnancy while others can be traced to certain environmental elements. Birth defects are often caused by the usage of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are linked to certain chemicals that are present in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medical science, birth injuries and defects are an unfortunate fact. Thankfully most birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child who has an issue with their birth that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is essential to consult an skilled lawyer as soon as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can help you comprehend the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family’s losses and expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience in handling cases of wrongful birth. Our firm is a solely plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the high level of service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for any damages, including past and future medical costs loss of income, damages for punitive in certain circumstances and emotional stress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and then work to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers are expected to thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market and to warn consumers about the possibility of adverse side effects. If the birth defects of your child were caused by a pharmaceutical drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect law firms defect lawyer.