Are Congenital Disorders the Same as Birth Injuries?

 Posted on April 25, 2025 in Birth Injury

Sadly, not every child is born healthy. Some conditions result from developmental abnormalities, but others are caused by a medical provider’s negligence. Either situation is tragic, but a medical malpractice claim could provide you with compensation in birth injury cases. Understanding the difference is important, and our knowledgeable Chicago birth injuries attorneys are happy to answer your questions during a free and confidential consultation.

What Is the Difference Between Birth Injuries and Birth Conditions?

Congenital anomalies often develop in the first trimester of a pregnancy. Some of these birth conditions are caused by genetics and external factors, while others have no apparent cause. External factors likely to cause birth abnormalities include smoking, drug or alcohol use, and some maternal conditions. Common congenital disorders include cleft palate or lip, Down syndrome, ear and eye defects, muscular dystrophy, and heart and neural tube defects.

While children born with these and similar conditions may be disabled, families typically cannot pursue compensation because they are not caused by medical negligence. Birth injuries, on the other hand, are usually preventable and serve as grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

What Are Birth Injuries and Possible Causes?

Medical professionals are expected to provide a high level of care to their patients. If they fail to provide adequate care and harm results, that is medical negligence and could be the basis for your case. Common birth injuries include brain and neurological injuries, cerebral palsy, meconium aspiration, shoulder dystocia, and even miscarriage or death.

Each case must be investigated to determine the cause of the birth injury. However, they are frequently caused by:

• Failing to monitor mother and baby during pregnancy, labor, and delivery
• Failing to order diagnostic tests
• Failing to notice or act on signs of maternal or fetal distress
• Delaying or failing to order a necessary C-section
• Improper use of delivery tools
• Inducing labor in unsuitable candidates

Birth injuries may be mild, but they can also be permanent, severe, and disabling. When your newborn was harmed by doctors, nurses, midwives, or other medical providers, we will help you hold them accountable through a claim for compensation.

What Damages Are Available in a Birth Injury Case?

The eligible damages in your case are unique because they should reflect your specific losses. Your baby’s birth injury may require lifelong medical care, medical equipment, and specialized care. The mental and emotional pain and suffering you experience might be unbearable. Your lawyer will calculate all your damages, accounting for current and future losses. Then, we will fight the liable insurance companies on your behalf to help you collect as much as you deserve.

Call Our Experienced Chicago, IL Birth Injuries Lawyers

At Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd., we understand that money cannot undo the harm your infant suffered at the hands of medical professionals, but it can help you provide the care your child needs. Contact our dedicated Cook County, IL medical malpractice attorneys online or call 312-462-4200 today to schedule your initial case review.