What Is the Difference Between a Birth Injury and a Birth Defect?

It is natural to worry about your children every day of their lives. In fact, for all mothers and many fathers, this worry begins before their baby is even born. 

According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, roughly 150,000 babies are born with birth defects every year. Additionally, approximately 2.2 percent of babies suffer some kind of trauma during labor and delivery that causes a birth injury.

If you received substandard prenatal care or experienced a traumatic delivery and your child has suffered as a result, turn to The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm. Our clients appreciate the knowledge and commitment we bring to their cases, as well as our willingness to work closely with them, keeping them fully informed every step of the way. Visit our website at www.lawbowling.com to learn more, or call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a case evaluation with a birth injury attorney in New Orleans.

What Is the Difference Between a Birth Injury and a Birth Defect?

A birth defect develops while the baby is still in the womb. Any kind of abnormality during gestation can cause a birth defect, which can ultimately result in functional disorders, malformation, growth retardation, and even death.

Approximately 10 percent of birth defects that are apparent upon delivery can be attributed to a specific factor, whether environmental, biological, chemical, or nutritional. Roughly 20 percent are inherited or are the result of chromosomal changes. The remaining 70 percent of birth defects have unknown causes, but experts suspect various environmental factors play a significant role in their development.

A birth injury, on the other hand, refers to bodily injury, disfigurement, impairment, or pain that occurs just before, during, or after delivery. Many birth injuries are preventable because they are the result of negligence or mishandling during labor and delivery. Some of the most common birth injuries are:

• Cerebral palsy;
• Erb’s palsy;
• Klumpke’s palsy;
• Hematoma;
• Facial paralysis; and
• Spinal cord injuries.

How Can You Prevent Birth Defects and Birth Injuries?

Although there is no way to prevent congenital birth defects, pregnant women can reduce the chances of their baby developing certain conditions by following their doctor’s advice. This includes staying on top of prenatal care, avoiding exposure to various chemicals, and treating any illnesses as soon as they arise.

As for preventing birth injuries, pregnant women should do their research when choosing an OB-GYN. Look for someone who does not have a history of malpractice claims and is committed to providing quality, personalized, and attentive care to each and every patient.

If your child developed a birth defect or sustained a birth injury that you think was preventable, turn to The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm. David A. Bowling has more than three decades of trial experience and will handle all the logistics of your claim so you can focus on taking care of your family. We will help you gather evidence to prove liability and damages against all responsible parties.

Contact us online or call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a consultation with a birth injury lawyer in New Orleans. You can learn more about birth injury claims in Louisiana by visiting the USAttorneys website.

The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm

1615 Poydras Street, Suite 1050

New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 586-5200