Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and five minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.
Different classifications and methods of identifying cases can lead to an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
If a baby is born with a defect or injury it can cause serious health issues for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects can result from an error in medicine or the negligence of the doctor during pregnancy.
In some instances birth defects can be prevented through taking care of your baby and eating well. In other cases they may be the result of environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus rupture of the amniotic sac, or the lack of oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).
Certain birth defects are caused by genetic illnesses that are passed down through families. They can be identified by a blood test or ultrasound. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Certain birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital conditions, or congenital anomalies.
Women over 30 and who belong to certain ethnicities have an increased chance of having birth defects. Couples who have a similar family history of genetic diseases might consider consulting an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help couples decide if they need to undergo additional tests. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects and certain infections that can be treated right away.
Diagnosis
A birth defect is an abnormal growth that affects any body part which affects the way organs work or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be identified by a medical professional during pregnancy, at birth or in early childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable like cleft lips, palates or craniofacial anomalies, while others are less obvious, 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 identified through newborn screening tests which look for specific health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the conditions that can be identified through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the kind of defect.
It may not always be certain what caused birth defects, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This could be due to exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects are the result because a physician failed to make the necessary steps to treat or prevent the occurrence of a medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice claims can be pursued.
Treatment
If a
birth defect attorney defect is diagnosed, the treatment options differ depending on the nature and severity of the problem. Certain birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention after the baby is born.
Some of the most common problems are the chromosomal. They are caused by missing or excess genes in a person’s cells. They are typically inherited from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart problems. These birth defects are caused by problems with the organ development of the baby particularly in the initial three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy, or after birth. They are also able to be done later on in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be performed through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo genetic tests for birth defects to see whether they are susceptible to a certain condition.
It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Some birth defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, whereas other can be linked to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Certain birth defects may be linked to chemicals found in the environment. These include pesticides as well as herbalicides like Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite the latest advances in medicine, birth injuries and defects remain an unsettling fact. Thankfully, many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child who has a birth defect that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's important to talk to an expert lawyer as soon as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you and help you seek compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.
Our team of 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 quality of service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your child and your family.
We can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages including future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages, in some cases and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and work hard to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.
Manufacturers of drugs are required to ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before putting them on the market and warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a
birth defect lawyer.