Every expectant mother wants to give birth to a healthy child. However, unfortunately, accidents do not exempt pregnant women. When a pregnant woman is involved in an accident caused by another negligent driver, she is not the only one who suffers from the injury. In fact, it also affects the unborn child. According to the CDC, between 1% to 3% of live-born infants are exposed to trauma in utero during a car accident.
So, what are the dangers caused by car accidents to pregnant women?
When a pregnant woman is seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence, she may undergo severe emotional trauma. Sometimes, she may give birth to a child with congenital disabilities or suffer from a miscarriage – it is the worst thing that can happen to a woman.
However, the type of injuries will depend on the severity of the accident. So, here are some common injuries a pregnant woman can sustain after a car accident:
- Premature birth: When babies are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, they might be born with permanent disability or even die. The earlier a baby is born, the higher the chances of their suffering from physical or intellectual disabilities.
- High-risk pregnancy: It can be traumatic when an expected woman sustains a car accident. It affects the woman physically, mentally, and emotionally, which further affects the state of the fetus. As a result, both the unborn baby and mother require immediate attention, vigilant observation and monitoring.
- Placental Abruption: The mother’s uterus and amniotic fluid protect the baby throughout pregnancy. However, trauma sustained directly to the abdominal area enhances the risks of placental abruption. When the placenta spills from the mother’s uterus, partially or completely, it can put the baby’s life at risk. According to studies, the mortality rate of babies with placental abruption is only 119 out of every 1000.
- Uterine injury: Since pregnancy enlarges the uterus, it becomes more vulnerable to injuries. When a car accident ruptures the uterus wall, the mother can experience internal bleeding, whereas the baby immediately starts to lose all oxygen. So, the baby and expected mother require immediate delivery to avoid death and further injuries.
- Miscarriage: A miscarriage refers to the loss of a baby. After a miscarriage, the woman losses her ability to conceive. It usually occurs when a mother is subjected to sudden shock, and the fetus can’t withstand the trauma.
How can a personal injury lawyer help you get compensation?
While nothing can erase the psychological pain and emotional suffering, you are liable to get compensation for all the injuries and monetary losses you have to incur for your damages. Undoubtedly, getting a claim for a car accident is a complicated process. Here is where a personal injury law firm comes into play.
When an accident harms the pregnant woman, the expecting mother and the fetus require close attention and extensive testing. Every added doctor’s visit will add up to the medical expenses. In addition, you can determine the full consequences of the accident until the delivery.
It can also lead to additional stress for the mother. The medical expenses will further go high, especially if any complications arise at the time of birth. Receiving the right compensation for all your damages is the only way to ensure a bright future for your child. A personal injury claim lawyer can help you get the right compensation for you and your child’s well-being.
In addition, an attorney can help you decide the deserved compensation amount while considering the medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle damages, and complications caused by the car accident. So, it is worth hiring an experienced law firm for personal injury.