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Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with a birth defect. These defects can alter the lives of those who are affected for a lifetime.

The way that cases are identified and classified could lead to an over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. 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 cause long-term health issues. Birth defects can result from an error in medicine or the negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In certain instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects may be the result of complications during pregnancy, like constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus.

Certain birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that are passed down through families. These are easily detected with a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Other birth defects are not known to have a cause and are known as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders.

Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to conceive. This will help couples determine if they need to undergo additional testing. Screening tests for newborns are able to identify certain conditions, like congenital defects that are critical and certain infections that could be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any part of the body which can affect the way organs work or the structure of the body. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects are visible, like cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates, while others are less obvious, such as 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 which look for some kinds of health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic conditions like Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can be detected by a healthcare provider through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the defect.

It's not always possible to know what caused the birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. These include exposure to prescription or over the counter drugs, chemical substances that pollute the water and air in communities, or complications that arise during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a physician failed to take the proper steps to treat or prevent a known medical condition. In these situations there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice could be filed.

Treatment

When a birth defect is diagnosed, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the problem. Some birth defects can be fixed before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby's birth.

A few of the most common problems are the chromosomal. They are caused by missing or extra genes in a person’s cells. They usually come from the parents. The most common structural defects are cleft lips or neural tube defects and heart issues. These are typically caused by problems with the development of a baby's organs and tissues, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests are performed during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be done later in life, if symptoms start to appear. The tests can be conducted via ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take genetic tests for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that can occur during pregnancy, while other can be traced back to environmental factors. birth defect law firm defects are often caused by the use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Certain birth defects are related to chemicals that are found in the environment, such as herbicides and pesticides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite the latest advances in medicine birth injuries and defects remain a tragic reality. Thankfully, many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child that has a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to speak to an skilled lawyer as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers has many years of experience in handling wrongful birth cases. Our firm is a plaintiff-only law practice and we pride ourselves on the quality of service we offer to our clients. We'll relieve you of the burden so that you can focus on your child, you and your family.

We can help you pursue compensation for damages such as future and past medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in some instances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate your case and work hard to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers must test their products thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and inform consumers about any potential side consequences. However, if your child's birth defect was caused by a medication that is a prescription drug, you could bring a lawsuit for product liability with the help of a birth defects drug lawyer.