There is no average settlement for a pregnant car accident victim in VA because settlement values depend on multiple factors, from injury severity to long-term impacts on your pregnancy. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident while pregnant, consider reaching out to an experienced Charlottesville car accident lawyer to handle your case.
Average Damages Available to Pregnant Car Accident Victims
A typical settlement for a pregnant car accident victim in Virginia involves both economic and non-economic damages for their injuries and losses. These damages compensate for financial burdens and physical and emotional suffering caused by the collision.
The specific compensation amount depends on factors such as injury severity, impact on the pregnancy, and potential long-term consequences.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses from the accident, including medical bills for emergency care, prenatal treatments, and delivery complications. They also account for lost wages if injuries prevent work during pregnancy or the recovery period. Future costs like ongoing therapy or child care assistance due to birth injuries may also be included.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages encompass intangible harms, such as pain and suffering resulting from injuries or trauma. They compensate for emotional distress, anxiety about the pregnancy’s outcome, and loss of enjoyment of life. In tragic cases involving miscarriage or stillbirth, damages may include grief counseling and compensation for loss of companionship.
If you are wondering what you should do if you are injured in a car accident while pregnant, contacting a lawyer is a vital step. A skilled personal injury attorney can aggressively advocate for you by thoroughly investigating your accident, gathering crucial medical evidence, and negotiating forcefully with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call (434) 817-3100
Injury to the Person vs. Unborn Child in Car Accidents with a Pregnant Victim
The severity and type of injury suffered by pregnant car accident victims can affect the average payout for a pregnant car accident victim in Virginia. Seeking immediate medical attention after a collision is critical, even if injuries seem minor, as some complications may not be immediately apparent.
Injury to the Person
Pregnant car accident victims often suffer from whiplash due to sudden impact, leading to neck and shoulder pain. Broken bones and fractures are also common, particularly in the ribs, pelvis, or limbs, which can complicate mobility during pregnancy. Internal bleeding or organ damage may occur, posing serious risks to both the mother and the unborn child.
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and muscle tears, can cause prolonged discomfort and limit daily activities. Additionally, psychological trauma, including anxiety and PTSD, may develop after a severe collision, affecting the mother’s emotional well-being.
Unborn Injuries
A car accident can cause placental abruption, where the placenta detaches from the uterus, potentially leading to premature birth or fetal distress. Direct trauma to the abdomen may result in uterine rupture, a life-threatening emergency for both mother and baby. In severe cases, the impact can cause miscarriage, especially in early pregnancy.
Reduced oxygen supply due to maternal injuries or shock may lead to fetal hypoxia, risking brain damage. Even minor accidents can trigger preterm labor, increasing the risk of complications for the newborn.
Legal recourse may be necessary to cover medical expenses, ongoing care, and emotional distress. Consulting a healthcare provider and a qualified car accident attorney can protect your rights and well-being. And remember to take precautions, such as wearing a seatbelt properly and practicing safe driving habits, to reduce the risk of accidents during pregnancy.
Determining the Settlement Amount for Pregnant Car Accident Victims
Verdicts vary greatly depending on the severity and specific details of an injury. Traumatic brain injuries can yield settlements and verdicts in the millions, while soft tissue or fracture injuries are usually in the low six-figures. Given the unique risks posed by pregnancy, there may be injuries to the person or fetus that warrant higher settlements.
Additionally, violating car accident laws can affect the settlement amount. For example, greater negligence may result in greater damages. Under Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-894, drivers must stop at the scene of an accident if they are involved. If they fail to call emergency services and offer reasonable assistance, they breach their duty, which gives rise to civil and criminal liability.
The most significant settlements may involve permanent reproductive system damage, neonatal intensive care costs from premature delivery, or even wrongful death claims. Insurance companies frequently dispute these claims, making expert medical testimony about causation critical to maximizing recovery.
How Wrongful Death Statutes Affect Damage Calculations
Under Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-50, Virginia provides a statutory right of action for the personal representative of a decedent to bring a claim for damages caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another that causes death. This statute is the exclusive remedy for wrongful death claims in Virginia, and it is designed to help the statutory beneficiaries rather than the decedent’s estate.
The typical settlement for a pregnant car crash victim in Virginia will likely change as the law develops. The natural mother is now allowed to bring a wrongful death action for a “fetal death” caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another. This is distinct from recovery for the pregnant victim’s suffering associated with a traumatic event like a stillbirth or miscarriage.
Damages may also be distributed to the parents, brothers, and sisters of the deceased fetus in the absence of a surviving spouse or children. This remains a developing area of the law, and settlement amounts and verdicts can hinge on specific details and definitions that are best left to an experienced personal injury attorney.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today
At MartinWren, P.C., our experienced Virginia car and truck accident attorneys fight to secure maximum settlements for pregnant victims. In the course of our work, we ensure that all damages, from medical bills to emotional trauma, are fully accounted for. Let us handle the legal nuances while you focus on healing.
Don’t leave your recovery to chance. The average payout for a pregnant crash victim in Virginia varies, but with our proven track record and thousands of clients served, we have what it takes to aggressively pursue what you deserve.
When your health and future are at stake, you need a dedicated legal team on your side. Contact MartinWren, P.C., today for a free consultation.
Call (434) 817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
