BIRTH INJURIES AND ERRORS DIFFER FROM BIRTH DEFECTS

The birth of a newborn is both exciting and terrifying from the perspective of the new parents. While Connecticut residents may wait in joyful anticipation for months to meet their new children, they may simultaneously worry about how they will care for their babies’ needs and manage the unexpected challenges that may come their way. For some parents, caring for their newborns may be complicated by health-related issues present in their new children.

An unfortunate number of newborns enter the world each year with sometimes significant health challenges and concerns. Many different factors can influence the health and well-being of a baby at birth. These may include birth defects that may be present in a baby’s body during gestation and birth injuries that occur during labor and delivery. While this post offers no legal or medical advice, it will address the difference between these two medical matters and refer readers to seek professional help when considering medical malpractice actions.

A birth defect is a problem or condition that happens while a baby develops inter utero. Genetics can cause a defect in a particular child, but environmental factors that mothers are exposed to may also cause some birth defects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 1 out of every 33 babies is born with a birth defect.

Birth injuries, on the other hand, are acquired. This category of conditions occurs when a baby is hurt while they are entering the world. During some dangerous deliveries, injuries may be expected in order to save the life of the mothers and babies. However, when medical negligence happens and an otherwise healthy baby is hurt during delivery, malpractice may be to blame.

Any reader who has questions about birth injuries and birth defects should speak with an attorney about their concerns. While birth defects may occur due to the fault of no one, birth injuries may have identifiable causes that open the responsible parties up to legal and financial liability. Legal support can help readers better understand their possible options.