Birth Defects and Medical Malpractice

In the United States, a baby is born with a defect every four and a quarter minutes. These defects can have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.

Different classifications and methods of identifying cases can result in an under- or overestimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and clinical review in addition to passive reporting.

Causes

When the baby is born with an injury or defect it can have serious health consequences for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects can be caused by medical errors or negligence of a doctor during pregnancy.

In some cases birth defects can be avoided with prenatal care and proper nutrition. In other cases they could be the result of environmental factors such as exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxins. Birth problems can be caused by complications during pregnancy, including uterine constriction, rupture of amniotic fluid's sac or a lack oxygen to the fetus.

Some birth defects are caused by genetic diseases that run in families. These can be detected by an ultrasound or blood test. Some of these illnesses are treatable or preventable by a doctor, for example PKU, sickle cell disease and cleft lip and palate. Some birth defects are not recognized to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital disorders, or congenital anomalies.

Women who are over 30 as well as women of certain ethnicities have a higher risk of having birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic diseases might want to consult a genetic counselor before trying to become pregnant. This will help them determine if additional tests are required. Newborn screening tests are able to detect certain conditions, such as congenital abnormalities that are critical, and certain infections that can be treated immediately.

Diagnosis

Birth defects are abnormal growths that may affect any part of the human body. They can alter the way organs function or the structure of the individual. A healthcare professional can spot birth defects during pregnancy or after the baby is born, or in early childhood. Some birth defects are noticeable like cleft lips or craniofacial anomalies or palates and others are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct carrying the bile into the liver).

Many birth defects are detected through newborn screening tests, that look for specific health problems. PKU Congenital Hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease are just a few of the diseases that can be detected through newborn screening tests. Newborn screening can also be used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify certain birth defects with ultrasounds during pregnancy and blood tests, based on the type of defect.

It's not always possible to determine the source of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often associated with. This could include exposure to prescription or non-prescription medications, chemical substances that can contaminate water and air in communities or a problem during pregnancy or birth. Sometimes, bir defects can be avoided. 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 experienced lawyer as quickly as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer who is understanding and compassionate can help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for your family's losses as well as expenses.

Our team of highly experienced birth defect lawyers have many years of experience in settling wrongful birth claims. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and take pride in the quality of service we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can assist you in seeking compensation for damages including past and future medical expenses and income loss, punitive damages when necessary and emotional stress. Our lawyers will thoroughly research your case and will work tirelessly to ensure the best outcome for your family.

Drug manufacturers must thoroughly test their products before releasing them on the market, and also warn consumers about any possible adverse consequences. If the birth defects of your child resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you may start a lawsuit against the manufacturer with the assistance of a birth defect lawyer.