Los Angeles Neural Tube Defects Lawyer
Neural tube defects are among the most serious birth abnormalities a child can face. They develop early in pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is expecting, when the structure that eventually becomes the brain and spinal cord fails to close properly. While not every case is preventable, research has shown that proper prenatal care can reduce the risk by as much as 50 to 75 percent.
When a healthcare provider in Los Angeles fails to recommend basic preventive measures or misses clear signs of a defect on routine screening, families are left dealing with consequences that may have been avoidable. Fortunately, California law allows parents in these situations to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit in these cases. Learn more below.
How Do Neural Tube Defects Develop?
The neural tube forms and closes during the first four to six weeks of pregnancy. When that process is disrupted, the result is a structural defect that can range from manageable to fatal.
Spina bifida is the most widely recognized neural tube defect. It occurs when part of the spinal column does not close completely, leaving the spinal cord and surrounding nerves exposed. Children born with spina bifida may experience partial or full paralysis below the site of the defect, along with difficulty controlling bladder and bowel function.
Anencephaly is far more severe. In these cases, major portions of the brain and skull do not develop at all. It is almost always fatal, typically within hours or days of birth. Encephalocele, a less common defect, involves brain tissue pushing through an abnormal opening in the skull, often requiring immediate surgical intervention.
Where Does the Standard of Prenatal Care Fall Short?
Medical providers have long understood that folic acid supplementation significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects. The standard recommendation is 400 micrograms daily, ideally beginning before conception. Providers are also expected to perform routine screenings capable of detecting these abnormalities well before birth. When those obligations go unmet, the consequences can be irreversible. Common failures include:
- Neglecting to counsel patients on folic acid, especially those with elevated risk factors
- Skipping or delaying maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood testing during the second trimester
- Misinterpreting ultrasound findings that point to a spinal or cranial abnormality
- Prescribing medications known to increase neural tube defect risk, such as valproic acid, without warning the patient or exploring safer alternatives
- Failing to refer a patient for genetic counseling or advanced imaging after an abnormal screening result
Any one of these oversights can deprive a family of the chance to intervene early or make fully informed decisions about the pregnancy.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Neural Tube Defects Attorney
A neural tube defect can have a lasting impact on your child and your entire family. If your medical team failed to take the steps that could have prevented the condition, you may be able to file a malpractice claim or a wrongful birth claim under California law.
Schedule a free consultation with The Law Office of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel and Associates today to get started by calling (800) 541-9376. We’ve secured billions of dollars for our clients and will work hard to maximize the value of your Los Angles birth injury claim from the beginning.
