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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 can have a lasting effect on the lives of the affected.

Different classifications and identifications of cases may result in an over- or under-estimated number of birth defects. A well-designed system incorporates active case ascertainment that includes medical record abstraction and clinical review as well as passive reporting.

Causes

A baby born with an injury or defect could have long-term health effects. Birth defects are often the result of an error in medical care or a negligent doctor during pregnancy.

In some instances, birth defect can be avoided through prenatal care and good nutrition. In other instances they could be caused by environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be the result of complications that arise during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus rupture of the amniotic sac or a lack of oxygen to the fetus (also known as anoxic brain injury).

Certain birth defects result from genetic disorders which run in families. They can be detected with a blood test or an ultrasound. Some of these illnesses like PKU and sickle cell disease can be treated or prevented. Certain birth defects aren't known to be the cause. They are referred to as congenital conditions, or congenital abnormalities.

Women who are over 30 and are of certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of developing certain birth defects. Couples who share a family history of genetic disorders might want to consult a genetic counselor prior to become pregnant. This will help couples determine whether they'll need further tests. Screening tests for newborn babies can detect certain conditions, like critical congenital heart defects and certain infections, that are treatable immediately.

Diagnosis

A birth defect is an abnormal growth that can affect any part of the body, affecting the way that organs function or the structure of the body. Birth defects can be spotted by a medical professional during pregnancy, at birth or even in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects are obvious such as cleft lips and craniofacial anomalies or palates and others are not as conspicuous such as congenital heart disease and biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct which carries the bile into the liver).

Many birth defect-related conditions can be diagnosed through newborn screening tests which look for a variety of health issues. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic conditions such as Down syndrome. Certain birth defects can easily be identified by a medical professional through ultrasounds and blood tests during pregnancy, based on the defect.

It is not always possible to determine the cause of a birth defect. However, environmental factors are often involved. This can include exposure to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, chemical substances that contaminate the air and water of communities or a problem during pregnancy or the birth. Other times birth defects may be due to a physician failing to take appropriate measures to avoid or treat a medical problem. In these instances there is a possibility that a claim for medical malpractice could be pursued.

Treatment

Treatment options for a recognized birth defect can vary based on the severity and type. Some of them can be fixed before the baby is born while others might require surgery or other medical procedures after the child is born.

Some of the most common disorders are chromosomal. These are caused by missing or extra genes in the cells of a person. These are usually inherited from parents. Cleft lips are among the structural defects that can be found or neural tube defects and heart issues. These birth defects are caused by issues with the development of the baby's organs especially in the first three month of pregnancy.

Screening tests for birth defects may be conducted during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later on in life when symptoms start to appear. These tests can be conducted through ultrasounds or blood tests. One can undergo genetic testing for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed to suffer from a certain condition.

It is not always simple to avoid birth defects. Some are due to complications that arise during pregnancy, while others can be traced back to environmental elements. Birth defects may be caused by usage of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Some birth defects are due to chemicals that are found in the surrounding environment, including herbicides and pesticides, for instance as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.

Compensation

Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects and injuries remain a tragic fact. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child with a birth defect that may have been caused by the negligence of medical professionals, it is important to talk to an experienced lawyer as quickly as possible. A compassionate and knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer will help you understand your legal options and seek compensation to cover your family's expenses and losses.

Our team of knowledgeable birth defect lawyers has years of experience handling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. We are a plaintiffs-only firm and are proud of the level of service that we offer our clients. We'll take the burden off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on your child and your family.

We can help you seek damages, which include future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances as well as emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the situation and work hard to ensure that your family receives the best possible result.

Drug manufacturers must ensure that their products are tested thoroughly before releasing them on the market, and inform consumers about any potential side consequences. If your child's birth defects resulted from a pharmaceutical drug, you can make a claim for product liability with the help of a birth defect lawyer.