Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
In the United States, a baby is born with a defect that occurs every four and a quarter minutes. These birth defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.
Different ways in which cases are classified and identified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance program uses active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
A baby born with an injury or defect could be ill-health for a long time. Birth defects are often the result of an error in medical care or a mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.
In some instances birth defects can be avoided with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In some instances, birth defects can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that happen during pregnancy, including the uterine restriction rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).
Certain birth defects result from genetic disorders that are passed down through families. They can be detected through the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease, can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects have no known origin and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.
Women who are over 30 and are of certain ethnicities have a higher risk for some birth defects. Couples with the same genetic diseases might want to speak with a genetic counselor before attempting to get pregnant. This can help couples decide whether they require further testing. Newborn screening tests can identify certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that can be treated immediately.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that could affect any part of the human body. They can impact organ function or the structure of the person. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born, or in early childhood. Some birth defects are visible like cleft lips or craniofacial abnormalities however others are more conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that carries the bile into the liver).
Many birth defects are detected through newborn screening tests which check for specific health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to identify genetic diseases like Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some
birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.
It's not always possible to determine the cause of birth defects, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medications, chemical substances that can contaminate the air and water of communities or a problem during pregnancy or birth. Other times, birth defects are due to a physician not taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat a known medical health condition. In these cases, medical malpractice claims may be pursued.
Treatment
If a birth defect is recognized, the treatment options differ based on the type and severity of the problem. Some birth defects can be corrected before the baby is born. Others might require medical intervention or surgery following the birth of the baby.
Many of the most common birth defects are chromosomal, resultant from the absence of or extra genes in a person's cells. They usually come from the parents. Structural birth defects include things like cleft lips and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These birth defects are caused by issues with the development of organs in the baby, particularly in the first three month of pregnancy.
Screening tests for
birth defect attorneys defects can be conducted during pregnancy, after a person is born or later in life, when symptoms begin to appear. These tests are conducted by ultrasounds or blood tests. A person can also have an genetic test for birth defects to see if they are predisposed to a specific condition.
Preventing birth defects isn't always easy. Some birth defects result from complications that arise during pregnancy, whereas other can be linked to environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy could cause birth defects. Some birth defects are also linked to certain chemicals that are present in the natural environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic reality. Fortunately many birth defects can be avoided. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be the result of the negligence of medical experts. A medical malpractice lawyer who is compassionate and knowledgeable can help you comprehend the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family's losses and expenses.
Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling cases of birth defects that are not correct. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and take great pride in the quality of service we offer our clients. We'll take away the burden so that you can focus on your child and your family.
We can help you seek compensation for damages, such as future and past medical expenses loss of income, damages for punitive purposes in certain cases and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the best possible outcome.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to adequately test their products prior to releasing them onto the market and warn consumers of possible adverse reactions. 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 lawyer.