Birth Defect vs. Birth Injury

When talking about a birth defect vs. a birth injury, one is talking about two different things. Though they may seem similar, as both affect the health and well-being of a newborn child, they are different in how they are caused and when they show up in a child’s development.

What is a birth defect?

The March of Dimes Foundation provides information and answers regarding pregnancy, your baby, folic acid, prematurity, genetic disorders, birth defects and much more. The foundation defines a birth defect as “any abnormality affecting body structure or function that is present from birth.”

In the United States, studies and research performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found that one infant out of every 33 born will be affected by a congenital birth defect, some of which may be serious and could potentially lead to the infant’s death. Additionally, the CDC has estimated that billions of dollars must be spent on treatment each year for children born with birth defects. One of the alleged potential causes of birth defects are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which are antidepressant drugs used to treat depression and other anxiety disorders. Researchers allege that certain chemicals in the medications may adversely affect a developing fetus, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy.

The March of Dimes Foundation also reports that some of the most common birth defects are “congenital heart defects, cleft lip and palate, down syndrome and spina bifida (open spine), affecting about 1 in 700, 1 in 800 and 1 in 2,500 babies respectively.”

What is a birth injury?

As defined by medical dictionaries, a birth injury is an, ”impairment of body function or structure due to adverse influences to which the infant has been subjected at birth.” Examples of birth injuries include conditions such as sustained oxygen deprivation (asphyxia) in the birth canal or physical trauma to the infant’s body. These birth injuries and others may sometimes imitate the symptoms and conditions of a birth defect. An example of a birth injury that can potentially cause cerebral palsy is oxygen deprivation during delivery.

Am I eligible for a birth defect or birth injury lawsuit?

If you or a loved one has given birth to a child suffering from an alleged birth defect or birth injury, you should contact one of Chaffin Luhana LLP’s birth defect or birth injury lawyers at 1-888-480-1123 immediately for a free and confidential case review today. You may be eligible for compensation, and the lawyers at Chaffin Luhana are standing by, prepared to assist you.