Auto Accident Claims Involving Pregnant Women- St. Louis Lawyer
By Christopher Hoffmann
Mar. 27, 2017 4:22p
Car accidents pose serious injury risks to everyone involved. However, the worry and stress after a car accident increase two-fold when it involves a pregnant woman. Any car accident, even if it is a minor one, can turn a normal pregnancy into a high-risk pregnancy. The impact, the trauma and the post trauma stress, all can prove to be extremely dangerous to the health of the pregnant mother as well as the unborn baby.
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), automobile accidents are the leading cause of death among pregnant women as well as the leading cause of traumatic fetal deaths. With about 170,000 cases of auto accidents involving pregnant women each year in the US, 1 to 3 percent of all live-born babies have experienced an accident in-utero. St. Louis accident lawyer discusses car accident claims involving pregnant women.
Risks of injury for pregnant women in car accidents
A number of complications can arise for the mother as well as the baby after a car accident. These complications are equally dangerous no matter which stage of pregnancy the mother is in. It should be noted that complications due to the accident can arise before, during as well as after the delivery of the baby. Complications such as pre-term labor, miscarriage, placental abruption, premature delivery, injury to the fetus causing developmental and growth complications in the baby, or preeclampsia can arise. Even if there are no visible injuries and the mother feels alright, the elevated stress levels and resultant high blood pressure can cause unexpected complications.
It is therefore essential for a pregnant woman to visit an OB/GYN as soon as possible after the accident, no matter the severity, to ensure that there are no complications.
What are the legal options for pregnant women in car accidents?
Damages for pregnant women involved in car accidents are usually higher and therefore, any pregnant woman injured in a car accident should consult with a lawyer. More doctor visits lead to an increase in medical expenses. Moreover, the recovery period for pregnant women is longer. For working pregnant women, more doctor visits or a need to stay under medical observation could lead to loss of wages.
If any complications arise, for example, if there is any trauma that leads to preterm labor, premature delivery, or injury to the baby as a result of the accident, the costs increase significantly with the need to treat the mother and the baby for those complications and injuries.
Apart from financial concerns, the unquantifiable aspects like pain and suffering, emotional duress, stress and trauma, and possibility of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially in cases where the accident has led to miscarriage, or loss of life of the mother, need legal representation.
Finally, if the accident has been caused due to another person’s negligent driving, legal representation can help ensure your rights are protected.
Insurance settlement for damages
Considering the damages are significantly higher and complicated, it is advisable to wait till the delivery and ensure that there are no severe medical implications of the accident on the baby. When it comes to settlement, the parents should be absolutely sure that they are getting the right representation and just compensation for their trauma, before they accept an insurance settlement. It is also important to have an experienced St. Louis car wreck attorney on your side, who can defend your rights.
Call (314) 361-4242 for a free case evaluation.
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