What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident While Pregnant

Although various obstetric complications can arise during pregnancy, auto accidents pose a substantial threat to a fetus. In addition to injuries, estimates from the U.S National Library of Medicine suggest that 1,500 to 5,000 fetal losses occur because of traffic accidents. Pregnant women can also experience many other complications due to accidents and the resulting trauma and injuries..

Personal injury law allows pregnant women to obtain compensation from the at-fault party for a car accident. Understanding what is the average settlement for a car accident while pregnant allows injured victims to make financial plans for recovery from injury-related losses.

There is no way to determine the average settlement value since the outcome of each case depends on the specific circumstances and injuries. Instead, you should have a trusted car accident attorney evaluate your situation and advise on how much you might expect to receive.

Pregnancy Injuries Associated With Auto Accidents

Placenta Abruption

This is an injury that occurs when the placenta entirely or partly detaches from the womb before delivery. The abruption can decrease or block the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the baby and trigger heavy bleeding in the mother.

Trauma or injury to the abdomen from an auto accident, a fall, or a rapid loss of fluid that cushions or surrounds the baby in the uterus can cause the injury.

Signs and symptoms of placenta abruption include:

• Back pain
• Vaginal bleeding
• Uterine rigidity or tenderness
• Frequent episodes of uterine contractions
• Abdominal pain

Sometimes, placenta abruption develops progressively (chronic abruption), leading to light and intermittent vaginal bleeding.

Complications of Placenta Abruption

Placenta abruption often leads to life-threatening complications for either the mother or the baby, including:

• Stillbirth
• Premature birth
• Restricted growth due to lack of nutrients
• Blood clotting issues
• Kidney failure or failure of other organs from blood loss
• Shock due to blood loss
• In rare cases, the need for a hysterectomy— if a healthcare provider can’t stop the bleeding

Uterine Rupture

A uterine rupture occurs when the three layers of the uterus tear open into the abdominal cavity. The tear causes a life-threatening condition for the baby and the mother, necessitating an emergency C-section.

When the uterus ruptures, the fetus lacks the protection of the uterus. As a result, the heart rate of the fetus slows down, affecting the oxygen supply, which increases the risk of brain damage and suffocation.

Cases of uterine rupture in auto accidents are related to the pressure from seat belts or a deployed airbag, which causes trauma to the pregnant woman’s abdomen. Uterine rupture can cause life-threatening complications to the fetus, including suffocation and brain damage due to low oxygen.

The mother could also lose the ability to become pregnant due to hysterectomy.

Complications of Uterine Rupture

Affected mothers may experience anemia— low iron levels because of a lack of healthy blood cells due to blood loss. Pregnant mothers are also at risk of bladder injury or infection, necessitating hysterectomy in severe cases.

Although rare, uterine rupture can result in the death of the baby or mother.

Miscarriage

Miscarriage occurs when there is a sudden loss of pregnancy before week 20. Any sudden trauma because of an auto accident can put a pregnant woman at risk of having a miscarriage.

For instance, severe trauma can cause a tear or laceration in the uterus, putting the mother and the baby in great danger, which often leads to miscarriage.

Symptoms of miscarriage include:

• Fast heartbeat
• Bleeding from the vagina, with or without bleeding, including light bleeding or spotting
• Tissue or fluid passing through the vagina
• Cramping or pain in the lower back or pelvic area

Maternal Shock

If a woman sustains a severe injury in a car accident, her body may enter into hypovolemic shock. Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition where the body loses a lot of fluids or blood.

Maternal shock occurs because of inadequate supply of oxygenated blood to the tissues. While the health of a mother is seriously affected by maternal shock, the health and life of the baby are equally at risk.

Premature Birth

The forceful impact of a car accident can cause a baby to be born too early. Premature birth takes place before the 37th week of the pregnancy. Unfortunately, babies born before their terms have severe health complications.

Although health issues vary, the earlier the baby is born, the higher the risk of health complications.

Complications of Premature Birth

Some babies who are born preterm do not develop complications. Even so, premature births often cause short-term and long-term health complications.

Here is a list of short-term health complications:

• Breathing issues
• Heart problems
• Brain bleeding
• Temperature control problems
• Digestive issues
• Metabolism issues
• Immune system that’s not fully developed

Long-term health complications of premature births include:

• Hearing issues
• Learning disabilities
• Vision problems like retinal detachment
• Dental issues
• Persistent health issues such as asthma
• Cerebral palsy

Congenital Disability

Congenital disabilities are structural changes present at birth in almost any part of the body, e.g. (birth, foot, or foot). A congenital disability affects how the body looks, works, or both, with mild or severe congenital disabilities.

According to CDC data, every 4 ½ minutes, a baby is born with a birth defect in the United States. The impact of a car crash or a preterm birth can cause various birth defects. For instance, babies born before their 28-week mark may lack the ability to breathe or eat independently.

An auto accident-related congenital disability can also occur if the baby develops a high fever greater than 101 °F or elevated body temperature due to heat exposure.

Pregnancy complications due to car accidents can also cause birth defects. For instance, a lack of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the fetus in your uterus) can cause pressure in the fetus and damage the lungs.

Get in Touch With an Experienced Car Accident Attorney For Legal Assistance

While there is no denying that getting involved in a car accident is traumatic, the losses can be higher when pregnant. Besides coping with a pregnant woman’s own physical and emotional health, their unborn child can sustain serious complications.

In this situation, you want The Barnes Firm on your side, seeking maximum compensation for your losses. Contact us online or at (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation.

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Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

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