$200,000 Settlement Won for Joliet Woman Who Lost Pregnancy in a Car Accident

John J. Malm & Associates secured a $200,000 settlement for a Joliet woman who suffered serious injuries after a negligent driver lost control of a vehicle, drove off the roadway, and struck her while she was seated on the front steps of her home.

The case was handled by attorney John J. Malm, who pursued claims on behalf of both the injured woman and for the devastating loss of her pregnancy. The settlement included $100,000 for the woman’s personal injuries and $100,000 for the loss of her unborn child.

This case reflects not only the physical harm caused by a negligent driver but also the profound emotional and legal significance of losing a pregnancy due to trauma.

Driver Leaves Roadway and Strikes Woman at Her Home

The incident occurred in Joliet, Illinois, when the defendant driver failed to maintain control of their vehicle. The car left the roadway, jumped the curb, crossed the lawn, and struck the woman while she was sitting on her own front steps.

Unlike many pedestrian accident cases, this incident did not occur near a crosswalk or roadway. The victim was on private property, in a place where she had every reason to feel safe.

“This was a deeply troubling and entirely preventable,” said John J. Malm. “Our client was not near traffic or crossing a street, she was sitting outside her home when a vehicle left the roadway and struck her. That level of negligence demands accountability.”

Cases like this underscore the importance of safe driving and the duty all motorists have to maintain control of their vehicles at all times.

Serious Injuries and Extended Rehabilitation

As a result of the collision, the woman suffered serious physical injuries requiring hospitalization and surgical care. After her initial treatment, she spent approximately one month in a rehabilitation facility to recover.

Pedestrian accident victims often sustain significant injuries because they lack any physical protection against the force of a vehicle. Common injuries include fractures, internal trauma, head injuries, and long-term physical impairment.

In this case, the severity of the injuries required not only surgery, but also extended rehabilitative care. Recovery from these types of injuries can be physically and emotionally demanding, often involving pain, limited mobility, and disruption to daily life.

Loss of Pregnancy Following Traumatic Injury

At the time of the incident, the woman was in the first trimester of her pregnancy. Tragically, the injuries she sustained led to the loss of her unborn child. The loss of a pregnancy under traumatic circumstances is one of the most difficult experiences a person can endure. In addition to physical injuries, victims must cope with emotional grief, psychological trauma, and the loss of future expectations.

“Cases involving pregnancy loss are among the most serious and sensitive matters we handle,” said Malm. “There is both a physical injury and a deeply personal loss. Our responsibility is to make sure that loss is recognized and that our client receives the support and compensation she deserves.”

Illinois Law Recognizes Claims for Loss of a Pregnancy

Illinois law allows a legal claim when a pregnant woman is injured and that injury results in the loss of the pregnancy, even in the earliest stages. Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/2.2), a claim may be brought for the loss of an unborn child regardless of viability, meaning the pregnancy does not need to have reached a specific gestational age for recovery to be allowed.

While viability is often discussed in medical terms, typically around 22 to 24 weeks, Illinois law focuses on causation, not gestational age. The key legal question is whether the defendant’s negligence caused the loss of the pregnancy.

In practical terms, this means that when a negligent act, such as a car accident, results in injury to a pregnant woman and causes a miscarriage, the law permits a separate claim recognizing that loss.

Settlement Reflects Both Injury and Loss

The case resolved for a total of $200,000, structured as:

• $100,000 for the woman’s personal injuries
• $100,000 for the loss of her unborn child

This allocation reflects Illinois law’s recognition that the injury to the mother and the loss of the pregnancy are distinct harms, each deserving of compensation. While no financial recovery can undo the trauma experienced, the settlement provides a measure of accountability and support for the victim as she moves forward.

Protecting Victims, Including Pregnant Women

Cases involving pregnant victims require careful legal handling, sensitivity, and a thorough understanding of both medical and legal issues.

“It is critical that the law protects vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women,” said John J. Malm. “When negligence results in the loss of a pregnancy, that harm must be acknowledged. We take these cases very seriously and work to ensure our clients are treated with dignity and respect throughout the process.”

Legal claims involving pregnancy loss often require coordination with medical providers, detailed documentation, and clear presentation of how the injury led to the loss.

Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable

This case also highlights the importance of holding negligent drivers responsible for the harm they cause. Drivers have a fundamental duty to operate their vehicles safely and maintain control at all times. When a driver leaves the roadway and strikes someone on private property, that duty has been clearly violated.

“Accountability is essential in cases like this,” Malm said. “When a driver’s negligence causes serious injury and a loss as profound as this, there must be consequences. These cases are about more than compensation, they are about responsibility and safety.”

Building a Strong Personal Injury Case

To achieve a successful result, John J. Malm & Associates conducted a thorough investigation and developed strong supporting evidence, including:

• Medical records and surgical reports
• Rehabilitation and recovery documentation
• Obstetric records confirming the pregnancy and loss
• Evidence of the driver’s negligence

By presenting a complete picture of both the physical injuries and the emotional loss, the firm was able to secure a meaningful settlement for the client.

The Lasting Impact of Serious Injury and Loss

Serious injuries and pregnancy loss can have long-term effects on a person’s life. In addition to physical recovery, victims may experience emotional distress, anxiety, and ongoing psychological impact.

These cases require a comprehensive legal approach that considers both economic damages (medical bills, rehabilitation) and non-economic damages (pain, suffering, emotional loss). Our personal injury firm focuses on understanding the full impact of our clients’ injuries so we can advocate effectively on their behalf.

Injured by a Negligent Driver in Illinois? Contact the Experienced Illinois Personal Injury Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver, it is important to understand your rights. Cases involving serious injury or pregnancy loss require experienced legal representation.

Our firm has more than 100 years of combined litigation experience across a team of six award-winning attorneys. We are committed to providing strong legal representation while supporting our clients through difficult circumstances. John J. Malm & Associates represents clients throughout Illinois and is dedicated to pursuing full and fair compensation for those harmed by negligence.

Contact our office today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.