Does being pregnant affect personal injury claims?

If you suffer a personal injury while pregnant, it does affect your personal injury claim in Pennsylvania. Not only can a pregnant person experience the same injuries as a person that is not with child, the fact that they are pregnant creates more risk of serious injury or complication. Additionally, the unborn child faces the potential of injury separate from the mother’s injury. In some cases, while the mother may live, the unborn baby may die or suffer permanent birth defects due to the injury. This can cause the mother to experience extreme trauma and mental anguish.

Common Sources of Injuries to Pregnant Women

Pregnant women often suffer injuries from the following:

• Car Accidents: Approximately 1,500 to 15,000 fetuses are lost yearly due to car accidents. Even pregnant women injured in car accidents that do not lose their child can suffer other injuries, such as a separation of the placenta or uterine rupture.
• Medical Malpractice: Medical malpractice is a leading cause of injuries in pregnant women. An example would be the prescription of a drug that can cause harm to the mother or the child.
• Falls: A fall can hurt both the pregnant mother and her unborn child. Due to such a rapid change in shape and size, pregnant women are more vulnerable to dangers that could make them fall, such as a loose rug or uneven floors.

Damages Available In Personal Injury Claims Involving Pregnancy

Different types of damages are available to pregnant women who suffer a personal injury, some common to all victims and some unique to pregnant persons.

Actual damages, such as medical bills, prescription costs, and therapy costs, are generally recoverable. Also covered are lost income and loss of future earning capacity. In the event the baby is born with injuries or defects that require treatment, damages can be recovered for the effects of the mother’s injuries on the baby.

There are other damages available, including pain and suffering. The amount of damages awarded for pain and suffering can be substantial for personal injury cases involving pregnancy. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer at Goodwin Como will help you determine the amount of damages you may be entitled to recover.

Fetal Death & Injury

If your unborn baby is injured or dies due to a personal injury, it is best to speak with a lawyer to determine the compensation you may be owed. In most of these claims, whether or not the fetus was viable when the injury or death occurred will be the key factor in whether or not you will be able to recover any compensation. These cases are complicated, and having an experienced attorney can greatly support your ability to recover.

Speak With A Personal Injury Lawyer At Goodwin Como, P.C.

If you are pregnant and have suffered a personal injury, or if your loved one that was expecting a child has died due to a personal injury, you need to speak with an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer. At Goodwin Como, P.C., our skilled attorneys are available for a free consultation. Contact our firm by calling 724-438-1616 or via our contact page.