No matter how careful you are, no expectant mother can protect her child from every danger. That includes car accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, and other personal injury claims. Not only is it painful and traumatic for the mother, but the baby can be hurt, too.

If you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you deserve compensation—not just for your injuries, but for any harm that may come to your infant, too. Here’s what you need to know about how your pregnancy can affect a personal injury claim.

General Overview

Typically, a car accident involving a pregnant woman will be valued higher by juries and insurance companies. That’s because of the physical harm to mother and child, as well as the mental anguish and higher medical costs. Not only is the mother injured and potentially afraid for her own life, but the trauma to her infant can cause significant anguish. The additional stress and trauma can have negative effects on the pregnancy, in addition to the physical harm suffered.

Therefore, juries and insurance companies tend to award more money. This is designed to compensate for the injury, stress and illness that can occur when a pregnant person is involved in a car accident.

Common Accident Injuries During Pregnancy

Here are some of the most common injuries pregnant women experience during accidents:

• Placental abruption: This injury occurs when the placenta splits apart from the uterus before birth. It is dangerous, and significantly increases the baby’s mortality rate.
• High-risk pregnancy: Even minor injuries and trauma can lead to a high-risk pregnancy. This requires constant monitoring and vigilance. The mother may be instructed to stay on bed rest until it’s time to give birth—which can affect her ability to earn income.
• Uterine injury: Uterine injuries are usually fatal for the baby. There’s an almost 100 percent mortality rate associated with uterine rupture. They can also result in internal bleeding, which may be fatal to the mother as well.
• Miscarriage: Miscarriages can occur when the mother’s body is subjected to extreme or violent force. Sometimes the infant cannot withstand the trauma, despite the body’s protective safeguards.
• Premature birth: Accidents increase the risk of premature birth (birth before 37 weeks). Premature birth is associated with a higher risk of birth defect and mortality.

It’s crucial that expectant mothers seek medical and legal help after an accident.

Discuss Case with an Ohio Personal Injury Lawyer

When you’re in an accident while pregnant, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me today at 877.614.9524 for a consultation, and we’ll work to get what you deserve.