Is a Birth Injury Different from a Birth Defect?

When something bad happens, you can place it into one of two main categories. In some situations, the bad thing is entirely unavoidable—an “act of God” that no one can prevent or stop. However, in other cases, bad things are caused directly by human error.

The difference between an act of God and a human error is the main difference between birth injuries and birth defects.

Birth Defect

A birth defect is defined as a condition an infant has at birth, regardless of its cause. In a majority of cases, birth defects are acts of God—things that no one could have prevented.

Common examples of birth defects include:

• Cleft palates;
• Deformations;
• Patau syndrome; and
• Down syndrome.

It’s important to note that while a majority of birth defects are acts of God, some are caused by pregnant women taking prescription medications they shouldn’t be taking while pregnant. When a doctor wrongfully prescribes a medication that causes a birth defect in a baby, it could result in a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Birth Injuries

Birth injuries, on the other hand, are defined as any type of harm that infants suffer during or near the time of their births. In a majority of cases, birth injuries are acts of human error—things that could have been prevented if medical professionals made the right choices or performed their duties correctly.

Common examples of birth injuries include:

• Erb’s palsy;
• Bruising or forceps marks;
• Scalp swelling;
• Collarbone fractures;
• Cerebral palsy.

Talk to an Attorney About Birth Defects and Birth Injuries

If your baby suffers from a defect or birth injury, it’s wise to talk to an experienced Philadelphia birth injury attorney about your infant’s situation. An attorney can examine the facts of your case to determine if you and your child were victims of medical malpractice.

The Beasley Firm, LLC exists to hold medical professionals accountable for their mistakes. Call for a free consultation.