Charlotte Fetal Death Car Accident Attorneys

Having a child can be one of the most exciting times in the life of a parent. The nine months of waiting for a child to be born can be scary and exciting. Most pregnant mothers do everything possible to protect the lives of their unborn babies. When another person’s negligence causes the death of an unborn baby or fetus, the parents might be entitled to compensation. Compensation can never bring back the life of a precious unborn baby. However, it can help grieving parents pay for medical bills and funeral expenses, alleviating stress and worry during a difficult time of grieving.

There is no consolation for losing a fetus in a Charlotte car accident. Nonetheless, parents of deceased unborn babies may be entitled to compensation under North Carolina personal injury law. If you lost an unborn baby in a car accident, the personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC could help. Contact our North Carolina personal injury law firm today to schedule your free initial consultation. We will discuss your options with you and lay out a strategy for how we can fight for your rights assertively.

Pregnant women are at a higher risk of experiencing an injury in a car accident. When a car seat belt pushes into a woman’s pregnant stomach, she is at risk of experiencing serious health complications. Car accidents can cause premature labor, fetal death, and significant developmental delays for the child. In some instances, miscarriages happen immediately after the car accident. The mental effects of trauma can also have a devastating mental impact on the risk of the mother and child. The following health complications can arise after a car accident:

• Premature labor: The physical impact of the car accident or the shock of the crash can cause a pregnant woman to go into preterm labor. In some instances, a miscarriage happens right away. In other circumstances, miscarriage happens down the road because of injuries caused by the accident. In other instances, the babies are born prematurely. The more premature the infant, the higher the risk for infant mortality, neurological problems, cerebral palsy, and developmental delay.
• Fetal distress: Car accidents can also cause fetal distress, even when a pregnant woman has zero preexisting complications. Women who are in car accidents without any apparent injuries are at higher risk of low birth weight babies, preterm birth, as well as placental abruption.
• Placental Abruption: Placental abruption is a common cause of health issues in pregnant women and fetuses. Placental abruption happens when a pregnant woman's placenta tears loose from her uterus. The sudden impact of a motor vehicle accident can prompt a placental abruption. Placental abruption can cause preterm labor, low birth weight, fetal death, internal bleeding. In severe cases, pregnant women can die from placental abruption. A majority of fetal deaths caused by car accidents happen due to placental abruption.

The most important thing to do is to bring the car to a complete stop and turn off the vehicle. If you can do so, call 911 and wait for emergency services to arrive. If a paramedic recommends taking a trip to the hospital, it is essential to do so. The shock and adrenaline release that comes from being in a motor vehicle accident can mask the symptoms of injuries. Even if you feel fine, it is wise to seek treatment from a medical professional. In some instances, placental abruption or early signs of fetal distress are not readily apparent at the scene of a motor vehicle accident.

The most devastating part of being involved in a car accident while pregnant is the stress and anxiety that can result. Pregnant mothers are often already concerned with doing everything right. Experiencing a car accident while pregnant can add to those fears and worries. While the mother and fetus may appear to be uninjured immediately after the car accident, complications can arise after the crash that may lead to infant death, miscarriage, or other complications.

North Carolina courts recognize a wrongful death cause of action for fetuses who die as a result of another person’s negligence. The jury can determine the amount of damages to award to surviving family members who lose a fetus in a car accident. If you or your unborn child suffered an injury in a Charlotte car accident, we can help. Call us now at 704.370.2828 to speak with our lawyers to explore your legal options or fill out our contact form. Now taking cases throughout North Carolina with offices in Uptown Charlotte, Mooresville and Monroe.