Bringing a child into the world is a joyful but often stressful time for upcoming parents. In particular, there can be a lot of anxiety over the health of a new baby, especially if the birth didn’t go as planned. As a TN birth injury lawyer, I know it’s easy to be confused by the difference between a birth injury and a birth defect. While both can be devastating to a family, they are fundamentally very different.

Being able to spot the difference between a birth defect and a birth injury can be integral in ensuring your child, and your family, are properly taken care of.

Birth defects vs. birth injuries

What is a birth defect?

A birth defect is present at birth and is usually the result of a genetic condition or a toxin the mother was exposed to during pregnancy. But in many cases, the exact cause is unknown. Birth defects can affect any organ or system in the body. For example, the heart, lungs, intestines, spinal cord, brain, eyes, ears, bones, limbs, or fingers and toes may be affected.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of every 33 babies born in the United States each year is born with a birth defect.

What is a birth injury?

On the other hand, a birth injury happens because of someone else’s mistake or negligence. It is not a condition that a child was born with. It is damage that occurs to a perfectly healthy infant (or mother) before, during, or after delivery. Usually, these injuries happen because of mistakes made in the delivery room or by doctors along the way.

Some of the most common types of birth injuries to occur to infants include:

  • Head trauma or skull fracture
  • Joint dislocation
  • Broken collar bone
  • Brain damage or cerebral palsy
  • Brachial plexus, a type of injury to the upper arm
  • Erb’s palsy, or permanent nerve damage to the upper arm

Common physical injuries that mothers may experience are:

  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Broken bones or bruising
  • Uterine rupture

You can take legal action for birth injuries

Sadly, many birth injuries are preventable, stemming from malpractice. Not only do they take a significant emotional toll, but they can also be very costly. Families often face medical procedures, doctor’s appointments, medication, therapies, and other expenses. Though a financial settlement cannot take away the trauma of the experience, it can affect the quality of care you’re able to give your child.

Talk to a TN birth injury lawyer today for FREE

If you suspect you or your baby were injured by someone else’s negligence, we are here to help you every step of the way. We understand it can be overwhelming to face being a new parent while dealing with a baby’s injuries, let alone trying to get the justice you deserve.

Our TN birth injury lawyers are not only known for their expertise, but for their compassion. Contact us online or give us a call today at 901-327-2100 for a FREE consultation –  no strings attached. It’s our job to make the process as easy as possible for you and your family. If you do have a case, we will handle the doctors and insurance companies so you don’t have to.

Give us a call today. We are standing by to help.