When a mother in Hawaii proudly watches a daughter grow into a young woman with a child of her own, it can be a satisfying and rewarding time. Being a grandmother can be joyful as one looks forward to years of sharing special times with children and grandchildren. But when disasters such as car accidents occur, grandmothers who are left to raise their daughters’ children may be left with many unanswered questions.
Late one afternoon, a 32-year-old woman was driving her small sedan on a local highway with her 8-month-old daughter strapped in her car seat. Tragically, a pickup truck collided with the car, and the woman died from her injuries. The man driving the truck was not hurt.
The baby was taken to the hospital and kept for observation. After X-rays showed that the baby was not injured, Child Protective Services planned to release her to her grandmother. The grandmother will also seek custody of her daughter’s 12-year-old son.
While it is almost certain that loving grandparents can successfully raise their grandchildren, nothing can truly replace the love of a mother. For that matter, losing her only daughter may create an emptiness that cannot be filled for this grandmother. Additionally, she may be left with funeral expenses, medical bills for the baby and the new and unexpected cost of raising two children. People in Hawaii who are left to cope after car accidents may consider contacting a dedicated attorney who can counsel them on the best steps for seeking possible compensation.
Source: staradvertiser.com, “Baby survives fatal Big Island traffic accident“, Michael Tsai, June 19, 2016