Learning that your baby has a medical condition is one of the most difficult moments any parent can experience. While the terms birth defect and birth injury are sometimes used interchangeably, they describe two very different medical situations. Understanding the difference can help families better understand their child’s diagnosis and determine whether medical negligence may have played a role.
A birth defect is a medical condition that develops during pregnancy, before labor and delivery begin. Birth defects can result from genetic factors, environmental exposures, certain infections, medications, or a combination of causes. In many cases, the exact cause is unknown.
Birth defects often develop during the first trimester, when a baby’s organs are forming, although some can occur later in pregnancy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 33 babies born in the United States has a birth defect, making them one of the leading causes of infant illness and death.
Some of the most common birth defects include:
While some birth defects are preventable through proper prenatal care and healthy lifestyle choices, many occur despite parents doing everything possible to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Unlike birth defects, birth injuries occur during labor or delivery. They may happen because of unavoidable complications, but in some cases they result from preventable medical errors.
Examples of situations that may contribute to a birth injury include:
Common birth injuries include:
Some birth injuries are immediately apparent after delivery, while others may not become noticeable until a child begins missing developmental milestones months or even years later.
Not every birth injury is caused by negligence. Childbirth is complex, and even when healthcare providers follow the appropriate standard of care, complications can occur.
However, if a doctor, nurse, or hospital failed to recognize warning signs, delayed necessary treatment, or made avoidable mistakes during labor and delivery, the injury may have been preventable.
“Parents place tremendous trust in their medical team during pregnancy and childbirth,” says attorney Steve Fleschner. “When that trust is broken because accepted medical standards weren’t followed, families deserve answers. Our goal is to help them understand what happened and pursue the compensation they need to care for their child.”
If you believe your child’s injury may have been caused by medical negligence, it’s important to seek answers as soon as possible. Medical records, fetal monitoring strips, and delivery notes can provide critical information about what occurred during labor and delivery.
An experienced medical malpractice attorney can review the circumstances surrounding your child’s birth, consult with qualified medical experts, and explain whether you may have grounds for a claim.
If your child suffered a birth injury and you believe medical negligence may have played a role, the attorneys at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin are here to help.
Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys understand the emotional and financial challenges families face after a preventable birth injury. We’ll carefully evaluate your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.
Call Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin today at (800) 477-7315 for a free consultation.
Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin
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The financial burden that often comes with a serious injury can be too much for many people to bear. Unexpected medical debt, damaged personal property, and the sudden loss of income can impact the budgets of most families. The good news is that a successful injury claim could help reduce that financial strain after a serious accident. Get in touch with a Terre Haute personal injury lawyer with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to learn more.
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