What are birth defects?
Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any body part (or multiple body parts). They often vary from mild to severe and can affect how the body looks, works, or both.
They can be identified before birth, at birth, or any time after birth but are typically discovered within the first year of life. Some birth defects are easy to identify (such as a cleft lip), but others (like heart defects or hearing loss) need special medical tests, such as x-rays or hearing tests.
What birth defect compensation can I claim on my baby’s behalf?
When a birth defect or injury could have been prevented if the treating medical practitioner had provided reasonable skill, care and attention, you may be able to claim compensation to help with the additional costs of raising a child with a birth defect, as well as compensation on your child’s behalf.
You may be able to claim birth defect compensation to account for the financial impact on your family, such as:
- Equipment and therapeutic aids
- Medical treatment, therapy and medication
- Special needs education
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Additional costs when engaging in recreational activities and holidays
On behalf of your child, you may be able to claim:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future loss of earnings and superannuation
- The cost of past and future care and assistance
- The cost of fund management (if your child won’t have the capacity to handle their financial affairs)
If your child has suffered a birth defect due to negligence, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Contact us online using our free online claim checker or call1800 455 725to talk to our specialist team of birth defect lawyers for an obligation-free initial consultation.
Meet our Birth Defect Injury Negligence Claims Specialists
Stephen Morgan
Special Counsel
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Works across ACT, NSW, TAS, VIC
John Abouchrouche
Managing Director
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Works across AUSTRALIA, CORPORATE SERVICES
What happens after your free claim check
Once you’ve completed your free claim check, we’ll arrange a call to talk through your accident with you and wether we think you have a claim. If you decide to move forward, we’ll guide you through each step – from gathering the right information to dealing with insurers and progressing your claim.
A call with our team.
It starts with a conversation where we take the time to understand what’s happened and how it’s affected you, then help you understand where you stand and what your options are.
What to prepare
You don’t need to have everything, but if you have details about the incident, medical treatment, insurance or superannuation, it can help us get started. We can guide you on anything else needed.
How fees work
There’s no upfront cost to get advice, and if we take on your claim, it’s on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you don’t pay our legal fees unless your claim is successful.
Why Clients Choose LHD Lawyers
Choosing a lawyer is about more than legal outcomes — it’s about feeling safe, informed, and genuinely supported throughout a process that can be long and uncertain.
No upfront costs
We operate on a no win, no fee basis, so you can pursue your claim without any financial risk. You only pay if we win.
You’re not just a case
We take time to understand you as a person, what happened, and how the injury has affected your life. No case is too big or too small.
Real people. Real results.
With 35 years of experience and a 99% win rate, we have helped thousands of Australians secure compensation that made a real difference.
Support that fits around you
We work around you, whether that is in person, by phone or by video. If you cannot travel, we can come to you at home or in hospital.
Complex cases, handled properly
Not every claim is simple, and we do not treat it as if it is. Our team has the experience and depth to handle complex and serious matters.
National strength. Personal approach
We operate nationally, bringing specialist expertise to every client. Your case is always handled by local lawyers who know your state.