Having a child should be a time filled with joy and excitement for the whole family. However, if your child has a health issue at the time of birth, it can end up being a stress-filled experience instead of a happy one. There can be different causes of health concerns that present themselves at birth, from defects to injuries. Understanding the difference between birth defects vs. birth injuries can help you find the best way to proceed.
Common Types of Birth Defects
Birth defects occur on a regular basis. A birth defect is a difference in anatomy at a structural level and can range from mild to severe.
These health concerns can be genetic and can happen at different stages throughout pregnancy, although they are not always detectable until after a child is born. Some common birth defects include those related to hearing, vision, and the heart.
Common Types of Birth Injuries
A birth injury is different from a defect. A birth injury occurs at the time of delivery and can happen to both the mother and child or one or the other. Common injuries can include broken bones, bruising, and damage to nerves and organs. Sometimes, but not always, a birth injury may be due to negligence on the part of a medical provider.
While both can cause distress, birth defects, and birth injuries are two different things. The next steps you take after experiencing a difficult delivery can depend greatly on whether your child has a birth defect or has suffered a birth injury.
Was Your Child Affected By A Birth Defect or Birth Injury That Was Caused By Medical Negligence?
If your child has suffered a birth defect or injury due to medical negligence, you don’t have to face this alone. Our experienced birth injury lawyers are here to fight for your rights and help secure the justice and compensation your family deserves.
Call Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks today for a free consultation and take the first step toward holding those responsible accountable.