When a family is expecting a new addition, most parents do all they can to protect the growing baby. However, we can’t always control whether we’re in car accidents. While even minor fender benders can be stressful, serious accidents may hurt or kill the fetus. It’s estimated that 1,500 to 5,000 fetal losses occur due to car accidents, every year.
Car accidents during pregnancy can be devastating. Injuries, loss and complications aren’t just frightening and upsetting—they’re also expensive, and may lead to lifelong health issues for mother and child.
If you’ve suffered pregnancy complications, fetal injury or loss during a car accident, the Law Offices of Tim Misny are standing by to help. We’ll help hold the responsible parties accountable, so you can focus on healing.
Here are some of the issues that can arise:
- Placental abruption: This is the most common car accident injury during pregnancy, and usually occurs in the later stages of the pregnancy. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta is ripped away from the uterine wall. It can be a partial or complete abruption, but either way, it is a very serious medical emergency. It may require an emergency c-section. The risk of fetal death is very high.
- Uterine rupture: Uterine ruptures are the most dangerous pregnancy complication. The walls of the uterus tear or rupture, causing the fetus to lose oxygen immediately. If doctors are unable to operate in time, there is a high risk of fetal death and lasting injuries to the mother.
- Maternal shock: Maternal shock is also known as hypovolemic shock. It occurs when a person loses a large amount of blood. The body compensates by reserving blood and sending it to the essential organs. This puts the fetus at risk: there is an 80 percent fetal mortality rate when the mother goes into hypovolemic shock.
- Direct fetal trauma: Finally, the fetus may be directly injured by blunt force trauma. It is uncommon: about 10 percent of car accidents during pregnancy involve this type of injury. Usually, the fetus experiences a head injury. However, rest assured that the uterus and placenta provide plenty of protection for the child under most circumstances.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you need an experienced lawyer. The Law Offices of Tim Misny will work to ensure that you receive compensation for any injuries or losses—call today to get started.
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Have you been a victim of someone else’s negligence? When you’re injured, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case right away. We may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages and more.