Every parent wants their child to be healthy from the moment they enter the world into their old age. But there’s always a risk of birth injuries and birth defects that can make living a healthy life more challenging. Birth injuries and defects can lead to similar challenges, but they happen in different ways. Your Pennsylvania birth injury attorney wants you to understand the difference between the two.
What Is a Birth Defect?
A birth defect is a condition that develops when the child is still in utero, or in the womb. These defects happen with or without the intervention of the medical team delivering your child, and can often be diagnosed prior to birth so parents have a rough idea of what to expect. Many birth defects can be minor and are easily treated or managed with routine medical care.
Common Causes of Birth Defects
Birth defects can be caused by several common factors including the following:
- Genetic factors
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Exposure to radiation
- Viruses contracted during pregnancy
- Poor prenatal care
- Use of alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy
Many of the common causes of birth defects can easily be prevented. Speak with your physician to learn more about your risk factors and things you can do to reduce the risk of your child developing a birth defect.
What Is a Birth Injury?
A birth injury happens during or shortly after the delivery of the child and is often the result of the actions of the medical team caring for you and your child in the hospital. Many injuries are minor and can easily be recovered from fully. However, some injuries may result in life-long challenges that you and your child will need to manage.
Common Types of Birth Injuries
There are many types of birth injuries that can happen even with experienced medical care teams working to protect you and your child. Here are some of the most common:
- Cerebral palsy
- Bone fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bruising on the head
- Bleeding beneath the skull
These injuries may be preventable under certain circumstances, and many are the result of true accidents made to save the child, the mother, or both. But some can be the result of negligence.
Can You Sue for a Birth Injury?
While you can’t sue for a birth defect, you may be able to sue for a birth injury, especially if the birth injury is severe and leads to life-long complications. Keep in mind that every case is unique, and the best thing you can do is to schedule a consultation with an experienced Pennsylvania birth injury attorney.
How an Attorney Can Help
If you or your child suffered a birth injury, your attorney can help you determine whether you have a case against the hospital and the medical care team who oversaw the birth. They’ll review the medical records, interview witnesses, and help you collect evidence to show the court that you have a case.
If you do have a case, they’ll be able to represent you and may help you get compensation to help cover the cost of any current and future medical expenses associated with the birth injury. Some common costs you may encounter include:
- Mobility aids
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Home modifications
- Special education
- Ongoing medical care
- In-home care
- Missed wages for parents
This is far from an exhaustive list. Your attorney can help you identify potential costs you and your family may incur as a result of the birth injury.
Speak to Latona Law Today
If your child suffered a birth injury and you believe the injury was the result of the hospital or medical team’s breach of a duty of care, don’t give up hope. Contact Latona Law to schedule a consultation with a Pennsylvania birth injury attorney today.