Of course, expecting New Mexico parents hope for the best outcome in birth. Sadly, not all births go according to plan. Sometimes, a child may be born with injuries or defects. These injuries and defects can result in lifelong complications that can have a serious effect on that child’s quality of life. What’s more, it can also greatly alter the quality of life of the parents, resulting in many additional complications.
Though there are similarities, birth injuries and birth defects are different in a number of ways. Just what are these difference? Birth injuries occur during the delivery process. This often happens as a result of a medical practitioner’s negligence. Birth defects, however, occur prior to birth. They may be the result of hereditary or environmental factors. Also, any drug use by the mother during pregnancy may result in a birth defect.
Birth injuries are, sadly, a somewhat common occurrence. One estimation claims that five in every 1000 babies born in the U.S. suffer a birth injury. Many births require the use of medical devices such as vacuums or forceps. Improper use of these devices by a medical technician can have serious consequences. These injuries may stem from lack of oxygen or they may stem from harm being done to the head.
While birth defects often do not have possible legal remedies, a birth injury is often the result of a health practitioner’s negligence. When this is the case, the parents may be owed compensation by the party at fault. Knowing who was at fault in a birth injury case can be a tricky endeavor. Often, it helps to have the expertise of a personal injury attorney when determining such matters.
Source: FindLaw, “Birth Injury Overview,” Accessed on November 17, 2015