Pregnancy And Personal Injury Claims
Pregnancy is a time when safety is of the utmost importance. As a result, when someone who is with child is injured during a vehicle accident, slip and fall, or another mishap, the risks are high. Given the risk, it should come as no surprise that these types of cases are also handled with a certain level of attention to this unique circumstance. Learn more about how pregnancy impacts personal injury cases.
Immediate and Long-Term Consequences
The most important thing to remember about incidents involving pregnant women is that there can be immediate or long-term effects. For example, in the immediate, the mother might experience an impact on the abdomen that causes pain and possible bleeding. Yet, the long-term consequence of this impact could be birthing complications or injuries to the fetus. Since all the effects are not immediate, cases involving pregnant women may not be settled until the child is delivered. However, no matter the impact, all these instances are typically covered under a claim.
Undue Suffering
Pregnancy should be a time of joy and bliss, but when a pregnant woman slips and falls in the parking lot of a poorly maintained business or is hit by a vehicle being driven by a negligent driver, some of this happiness can fade away. Instead, the mother is left to worry about her health and the safety of the child she is carrying. In some scenarios, this factor can lead to compensation for pain and suffering.
Unborn Child Designation
It is important to note that in terms of the law, the mother and the fetus are not always considered one. The mother can have a claim for any losses she has endured, and depending on the specifics of the claim, the fetus might also have its designation. This scenario is particularly common when the child is born with health concerns that they must have treatment for as a result of the injury.
Traditional Losses
In addition to the previously mentioned losses, pregnant mothers are also entitled to standard forms of compensation that often come with personal injury claims. Costs for medical treatment and missed time from work are just a couple of these factors. However, similar to medical records, documentation of these losses is required. Sit down with your attorney to ensure you have proof of all your losses.
Any person involved in an accident while pregnant should speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure their case is handled appropriately. Reach out to a personal injury law firm as soon as possible.
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