Birth Defect vs. Birth Injury: A Critical Distinction
It is important to understand the difference between these two terms:
A Birth Defect is a condition that develops before birth, often due to genetic or environmental factors. It is generally not caused by a medical provider’s actions.
A Birth Injury is damage that occurs to a baby during the labor and delivery process as a direct result of a medical professional’s negligence or a deviation from the accepted standard of care. These injuries are often preventable.