What is the difference between a birth injury and a birth defect?

Birth injury and birth defects are two distinct issues, and they are not interchangeable. A birth injury is an injury sustained by a baby either before, during, or shortly after birth due to medical negligence or an act of nature. In contrast, a birth defect is an abnormality that a baby is born with, either as a result of genetic factors or one caused by environmental factors. The most common type of birth injury is a traumatic injury, which can be caused by medical negligence such as a doctor’s improper use of medical instruments during delivery. Other birth injuries include oxygen deprivation, fetal trauma, or nerve damage. In California, if a birth injury is caused by the negligent actions of a medical professional, the family of the injured baby may be able to file a medical malpractice suit. In contrast, birth defects can occur at any stage of pregnancy, ranging from genetic disorders caused by chromosomal abnormality to environmental factors such as infection or exposure to radiation or toxins. These defects can range from mild and treatable to severe and life-threatening, and many require specialized medical care. It is important to understand the distinction between birth injury and birth defects, as they are two separate issues. If a baby has been injured due to negligence, a medical malpractice lawsuit may be able to provide compensation for the family. On the other hand, birth defects may not be preventable and can require special care for the rest of the baby’s life. In either case, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified medical professional.

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What is the difference between a birth injury and a birth defect?

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