Having a baby is supposed to be a joyful time in a Missouri parent’s life. Unfortunately, that joy was forever denied a woman who was on her way to the hospital to deliver her baby when she was killed in a truck accident. Her unborn child miraculously survived the crash, and doctors delivered the baby girl via emergency Cesarean section.
The family’s SUV was struck by an 18-wheeler. When officers arrived at the scene, one of them began CPR on the mother in an attempt to save both her life and the life of her unborn child. By the time she arrived at the hospital, the 26-year-old had succumbed to her injuries.
The baby was only 4 pounds, 15 ounces upon birth, but was strong enough to be taken off the ventilator a couple days later. It is not yet known whether the lack of oxygen caused her any brain damage. That will more than likely be one of the first concerns for the baby’s father, who survived the crash and is now left to raise the child on his own, which can be a challenge under the best circumstances.
The widower is also recovering from the injuries he suffered in this truck accident as well. When he is able, he may choose to file personal injury and wrongful death claims against the truck driver and the driver’s employer. If a Missouri court determines that the trucker’s negligence led to the injuries to himself and his daughter, along with the death of his wife, he could receive an award of damages that could help with the financial burdens he faces.
Source: stltoday.com, “Missouri doctors deliver baby after mother dies in crash“, May 16, 2016
