Are Birth Injuries and Birth Defects the Same?
The terms “birth injury” and” birth defect” are often thought to be the same. While both birth injuries and birth defects can be devastating and have long-term health consequences, they are very different. Read on to learn more about the unique characteristics of each.
What is a Birth Injury?
A birth injury is caused by physical damage to a baby during the birth process. A birth injury can happen at any stage of pregnancy or birth. There are several causes of birth injuries such as:
- Medication errors
- Lack of adequate supervision of the fetus
- Surgical mistakes
- Hospital errors
- Equipment malfunctions
- Prolonged labor
- Breech position
- Fetal distress
- Cephalopelvic disproportion
- Birth asphyxia
- Preeclampsia
- Failure to perform a timely C-section
- Vacuum extraction injuries
- Forceps injuries
- Shoulder dystocia
Types of Birth Injuries
Depending on the type of injury a baby sustains during pregnancy or birth, some of the most common types of birth injuries are:
- Cerebral palsy
- Brachial palsy
- Erb’s palsy
- Paralysis
- Kernicterus
- Fractures
- Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
What is a Birth Defect?
Birth defects happen due to problems during a baby’s development in the mother’s womb. Typically most birth defects occur during the first three months of pregnancy. A birth defect may affect how the body looks and functions. Common causes of birth defects may include:
- Genetics
- Chromosome abnormalities
- Exposure to toxic substances or medications
- Infections during pregnancy
- Lack of proper nutrients to the baby
Types of Birth Defects
Some of the most common types of birth defects include:
- Heart defects
- Cleft lip/palate
- Down syndrome
- Spina bifida
Did Your Baby Sustain a Birth Injury? Learn Your Legal Options.
At Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC, we understand the challenges parents face when their child has suffered a birth injury. We are in your corner to help you hold negligent medical professionals accountable for their actions. Let us help you receive the compensation you need to provide for your child — now and for their future.
In addition to seeking compensation, our birth injury attorneys can help parents set up trusts and establish caregivers to ensure the child has the necessary means to be cared for throughout their life. Let us help your family through this difficult time.
Call (502) 244-7772 to speak to one of our lawyers today.