Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice
Every four and an hour, 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.
Variations in the way cases are classified and identified could lead to over- or under-ascertainment of certain birth defects that are subtypes. A well-designed system incorporates active case assessment, including medical record abstraction and a clinical review as well as passive reporting.
Causes
If a baby is born with a defect or injury it could cause serious health issues for the child’s life. Birth defects are often the result of medical error or negligent doctor during pregnancy.
In some instances, birth defect can be prevented through taking care of your baby and eating well. In some cases birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects may also be caused by complications that arise during pregnancy such as constriction of the uterus, rupture of the amniotic sac, or an insufficient supply of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).
Certain birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be detected through an ultrasound test or a blood test. Some of these diseases, such as PKU and sickle cell disease are treatable or prevented. Some birth defects aren’t identified as a cause. They are known as congenital disorders or congenital anomalies.
Women over 30 and those of certain ethnicities are more at risk of risk of birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases might want to speak with a genetic counselor birth defect attorneys before attempting to get pregnant. This will help couples determine if they need to undergo further tests. Screening tests for newborns are able to determine certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that could be treated right away.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormal growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function or the structure of the person. Healthcare professionals can detect birth defects during pregnancy, after a baby is born, or in the early years of childhood. Some birth defect attorneys defects are noticeable, like cleft lips and palates or craniofacial anomalies and others are not as evident, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports the bile into the liver).
Many birth defect issues can be detected through newborn screening tests that check for specific health problems. PKU and congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are among the conditions that can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening also checks for certain genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome. Some birth defects can be detected by a doctor or healthcare professional using ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, depending on the condition.
It may not always be possible to know what caused a birth defect, however it is often associated with environmental factors. This could include exposure to prescription or over the counter medications, chemical substances that are contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications arising during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, birth defects occur because a doctor did not take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent the occurrence of a medical condition. In these cases medical malpractice lawsuits can be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a birth defect are based on the severity and type. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require surgery or medical intervention following the birth of the baby.
A majority of birth defects are chromosomal, due to missing or additional genes that are present in the cells of a person. They are typically inherited from the parents. Birth defects that are structural include things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These problems are caused by problems with the development of organs in the baby especially in the first three month of pregnancy.
Screening tests are performed during pregnancy or after birth. They can also be done later on in life when symptoms start to appear. The tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. A person may also undergo an inherited test for birth defects to see if they are predisposed to a certain condition.
Preventing birth defects isn’t always easy. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that happen during pregnancy, while others can be linked to environmental factors. The use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Certain birth defects could be caused by chemicals that are found in the environment. These include pesticides and herbalicides, such as Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1971.
Compensation
Despite the recent advancements in medicine birth injuries and defects persist as a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child that has an anomaly in the birth process that could have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to speak to an expert lawyer as soon as possible. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can help you comprehend your legal options and seek compensation for your family’s expenses and losses.
Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers has years of experience in handling the claims of wrongful birth. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and take pride in the level of service that we provide to our clients. We’ll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.
We can assist you in seeking damages, which include past and future medical expenses or loss of income punitive damages in some instances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and work diligently to ensure the most favorable outcome for your family.
Drug manufacturers are expected to test their products thoroughly before putting 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 may file a product-liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defect lawyer.