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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 birth defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of the affected.

Differences in how cases are classified and identified can result in over- or under-ascertainment of certain types of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system makes use of active case ascertainment (including medical record abstraction and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

If the baby is born with a defect, injury or other it could have serious health consequences for the child for life. Birth defects could be caused by medical negligence or a mistake of the doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances birth defects can be prevented by the prenatal care and a healthy diet. In some instances birth defects can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins. Birth defects are also caused by complications that occur during pregnancy, including constriction of the uterus rupture of the amniotic sac, or a lack of oxygen to the foetus (also called anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects are caused by genetic disorders that are passed down through families. These are easily detected with an ultrasound test or a blood test. Some of these diseases like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Other birth defects are not known to have a origin and are referred to as congenital anomalies or congenital conditions.

Women over the age of 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing birth defects. Couples with an identical history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counsellor before attempting to get pregnant. This can help couples determine whether they should undergo further tests. Screening tests for newborns can be used to determine certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, 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 organ function or the structure of a person. Birth defects can be identified by a healthcare provider during pregnancy, during birth or even in the early years of childhood. Some birth defects, such as palates, lips, or craniofacial abnormalities, are apparent. Others aren't as obvious as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct, which transports the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects can be identified through newborn screening tests, which check for specific health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. A doctor can detect some birth defects through ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It may not always be certain what caused the birth defect, but it is usually linked to environmental factors. This can be due to exposure to prescription or over-the counter medications, chemical substances contaminating the air and water in communities, or complications during pregnancy or the birth. Other times, birth defects are due to a physician not taking the proper steps to avoid or treat a medical problem. In these cases it is possible to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice might be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a suspected birth defect differ based on the severity and nature of the defect. Certain birth defects can be rectified before the baby is born. Others may require medical or surgical intervention after the baby is born.

Some of the most common issues are chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes in a person’s cells. They are usually passed down from parents. Structural birth defects are things like cleft lip and neural tube defects, as well as heart issues. These defects are caused by problems with the development of the baby's organs especially in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be performed during pregnancy, after a child is born or later in life when the first signs begin to appear. These tests can be done via ultrasounds or blood tests. One can also take a genetic test for birth defects in order to determine whether they are susceptible to a particular ailment.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are due to complications that arise during a woman's pregnancy while others can be traced back to specific environmental factors. The consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may cause birth defects. Some birth defects are also due to chemicals that can be found in the natural environment, including herbicides and pesticides such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advancements in medicine, birth defects and injuries are still a devastating reality. Many birth defects can be avoided. If you have a child suffering from a birth defect that could be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it's crucial to consult an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can. A medical malpractice lawyer who is knowledgeable and compassionate can help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for the losses of your family and expenses.

Our team of highly skilled birth defect lawyers has many years of experience handling cases of birth defect attorney defects that are not correct. We are a plaintiffs-only company and take great pride in the level of service that we provide our clients. We will take the burden off your shoulders 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, lawsuit loss of income, punitive damages when necessary and emotional distress. Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and work hard to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers are expected to thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market, and to inform consumers of the potential adverse effects. If, however, lawsuit your child's birth defect was caused by a drug you may file a product liability lawsuit with the help of a birth defect drug lawyer.