What is the difference between birth injury and birth trauma?

Birth injury and birth trauma are both medical terms used to describe adverse events that can occur during a pregnancy and/or childbirth. However, there is an important distinction between the two. Birth injury is generally an injury or illness sustained by the infant during the birthing process due to the medical care provider’s mistake or negligence. Examples of birth injury include cerebral palsy, Erb’s Palsy, and shoulder dystocia. Birth trauma, on the other hand, results from physical forces or complications during the labor and delivery process. Examples of birth trauma include skull and facial fractures, intracranial bleeding, and broken ribs. In Washington, birth injuries may result in medical malpractice claims if the medical provider’s negligence was the cause. Birth trauma, on the other hand, is often unpreventable and not a sign of medical malpractice. However, a medical malpractice action can still be brought if the medical provider failed to properly diagnose or treat a birth trauma promptly. It is important for individuals to be aware of the distinction between birth injury and birth trauma so that they can know when to pursue legal action if their infant has been harmed during the birthing process. The attorneys at the law firm of Skufca Law specialize in birth injury and birth trauma cases, and can provide individuals with advice and guidance on legal options.

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