Do Pregnant Women Get More Money in Car Crash Claims? | IL

 Posted on August 28, 2024 in Personal Injury

In 2022, there were almost 300,000 motor vehicle accidents in Illinois, injuring nearly 84,000 people and causing almost 1,300 fatalities. Sadly, some of those accident victims were pregnant.

Do pregnant women get higher settlement amounts in car accident cases? What kinds of compensation are available? The knowledgeable lawyers at Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC explain.

Collision Risks for Pregnant Women and Unborn Children

Although careful vehicle design provides some protection, the human body is vulnerable during collisions. Particularly in advanced stages of pregnancy, the mother and fetus can both sustain injuries due to:

• Deploying airbags

• The steering wheel or other objects hitting the woman’s abdomen

• Seat belts that tighten during impact

• Being thrown around by impact forces

Even if the collision does not cause severe injuries, it may put the pregnancy at risk. If the mother dies, her surviving family may qualify to file a wrongful death claim.

Risks to Mothers

As a result of the accident, the mother may miscarry or deliver prematurely. In other cases, her medical condition may require bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy. Women and their families usually suffer significant emotional upheaval, worrying about the health of the mother and unborn child.

Risks to Fetuses

Whether due to direct impact or the mother’s condition, unborn children are at risk from car accidents:

• Some collisions are fatal to the child but not the mother, forcing her to deliver a stillborn baby.

• Placental abruption can reduce oxygen and nutrient levels for the fetus.

• Various birth defects can result from a car crash.

• Premature babies may need to remain hospitalized in intensive care for weeks or months because they were not fully developed when the accident occurred.

If the child survives, she may have life-long disabilities or other consequences resulting from the crash. Parents, other family members, and even the child can suffer mentally and emotionally.

Do Pregnant Women Get Higher Settlements?

Every accident is different, and settlement amounts are calculated using case-specific factors. However, pregnant women may receive more compensation because they may also collect a settlement on behalf of their children. The medical condition and necessary treatments for both mother and fetus, along with emotional and psychological impact, may also increase amounts. Available damages may include:

• Medical expenses for mother and baby

• Lost wages

• Ongoing care for mother and baby

• Property damage

• Anxiety and depression

• Pain and suffering

• Grief

• A lost ability to enjoy life

In cases where the fetus dies, the mother may be eligible to bring a wrongful death action against the at-fault driver.

It is impossible for Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC to tell you how much compensation you might obtain until we calculate your accident-related expenses and determine how your collision impacted your quality of life. We can discuss case-specific details during your free consultation.

Call Today To Speak With Our Compassionate Joliet, IL Car Accident Lawyers

There is no such thing as a good car crash, but those involving pregnant women are somehow more distressing. At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we care about you and your family, and we will work diligently to hold the at-fault parties accountable. Call us now at 815-730-1977 for your free consultation with one of our dedicated Naperville, IL personal injury attorneys.