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Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

Every four and a half minutes, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These birth defects can impact the lives of those affected for the rest of their lives.

Differences in how cases are identified and classified could lead to 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 an injury or defect could have long-term health effects. Birth defects are usually the result of a medical mistake or a mistake made by a doctor during pregnancy.

In certain cases, birth defects can be prevented through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other cases, they can be the result of environmental factors like exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that arise during pregnancy like uterine constraint, rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Some birth defects are the result of genetic disorders that run in families. These can be identified with a blood test or ultrasound. Certain illnesses are treatable or preventable like PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and cleft palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a origin and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women who are over 30 and of certain ethnicities are at a higher chance of having birth defects. Couples with the same history of genetic diseases may wish to consult a genetic counsellor prior to trying to get pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they'll need additional testing. Screening tests for newborns can reveal some conditions, such as critical congenital heart defects, as well as certain infections that are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any body part which can affect the way organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be detected by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, during birth or in early childhood. Certain birth defects, like palates, lips or craniofacial irregularities are visible. Others aren't as obvious as congenital cardiac diseases and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile to the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified by newborn screening tests which are designed to detect certain health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism as well as sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders like Down syndrome. A healthcare provider can diagnose some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the kind of defect.

It may not always be certain what caused the birth defect, but it is typically attributed to environmental factors. This can include exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water of communities, or complications that occur during pregnancy or birth. Other times birth defects could be the result of a doctor failing to take appropriate measures to stop or treat a recognizable medical disease. In these cases medical malpractice claims can be pursued.

Treatment

When a birth defect is diagnosed, the treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the issue. Certain birth defect Attorneys defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others might require medical or surgical intervention after the baby is born.

A few of the most common issues are the chromosomal. These are caused by missing or excess genes that are present in cells of a person. They usually come from the parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart problems. These are usually caused by problems during the development of a baby's body organs, especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Screening tests can be performed during pregnancy, or following birth. They can also be done later in life if symptoms begin to manifest. These tests can be performed via ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to a specific condition.

It is not always simple to prevent birth defects. Certain birth defects result from complications that can occur during pregnancy, whereas others can be traced to environmental factors. Birth defects may be caused by use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects can be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. This includes pesticides and herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medical technology, birth defects and injuries are still a tragic reality. Fortunately the majority of birth defects can be prevented. It is essential to speak with an experienced lawyer if you suspect birth defects could be due to the negligence of medical professionals. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney will help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.

Our team of skilled birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling cases involving wrongful births. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and are proud of the quality of service we offer our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek compensation for your losses, which could include the future and past medical costs, lost income, punitive damage in some cases as well as emotional distress. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the case and work diligently to ensure that your family gets the best possible result.

Drug manufacturers are expected to adequately test their products prior to releasing them onto the market, and to inform consumers of possible adverse reactions. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you can bring a lawsuit for product liability with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.