Pregnant women are at a higher risk for slips and falls, especially as the pregnancy progresses. As your baby grows, your center of gravity and balance change, making everyday movements more challenging. In fact, slips and falls are the second leading cause of emergency room visits for pregnant women, right after car accidents.
At Morgan & Morgan, we’re here to protect you and your baby if you’ve been injured in a slip and fall due to someone else’s negligence. Simply fill out our free case evaluation form, and one of our team members will review your case and guide you on the next steps.
What Should You Do if You Slip and Fall While Pregnant?
Slipping and falling while pregnant can be terrifying, and it’s natural to panic. However, the best thing you can do for your baby is to stay calm and take the right steps. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 or Get to the Emergency Room: Whether you call an ambulance or have someone drive you, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photos or videos of what caused your fall. If you’re unable to, don’t worry—your health and your baby’s health come first.
- Notify the Property Owner or Manager: Let them know about the incident, but avoid discussing details or admitting any fault.
- File a Report: If asked to file an incident report, stick to the facts. Don’t exaggerate or downplay the situation.
- Contact an Attorney: Reach out to a slip and fall attorney as soon as possible. They can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.
What Injuries Can Result from a Slip and Fall During Pregnancy?
A slip and fall can be dangerous for both you and your baby. Although the baby is cushioned in the womb, you should never assume everything is fine until a doctor has performed tests to confirm. Common risks include:
- Miscarriage due to uterine contractions
- Premature birth
- Fetomaternal hemorrhage, where the baby’s blood cells enter the mother’s bloodstream
- Placental abruption, which cuts off oxygen to the baby
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Slip and Fall?
Determining liability depends on where and how the accident happened. For example, if you slipped and fell on someone else’s property, you may be able to sue for negligence. Property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe, especially for those at higher risk, like pregnant women.
You might have a case if:
- You slipped on a spill that wasn’t cleaned up in a reasonable amount of time at a supermarket.
- You fell due to unsafe conditions in a parking garage or other residential property.
In any situation where someone else’s negligence caused your fall, you could be entitled to compensation.
What Damages Can You Recover?
The damages you can recover depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of your case. Some of the most common types of compensation include:
- Medical Expenses: Your claim can cover past, present, and future medical costs, including any tests, medications, and treatments you need to protect your health and your baby’s.
- Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income. If your injury affects your ability to work in the future, you may also be entitled to compensation for lost earning potential.
- Rehabilitation Costs: If you need physical therapy or other rehabilitative treatments, those costs can be included in your claim.
- Non-Economic Damages: These include emotional distress, pain, and suffering. If you’ve been living in constant worry about your baby’s health, or if you’ve required therapy to cope with the stress, these damages help account for the impact on your quality of life.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Having a lawyer on your side ensures that you have the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. Here’s why:
- Experience and Knowledge: A slip and fall lawyer understands the complexities of these cases and knows how to prove negligence.
- Handling the Legal Process: After a slip and fall, you may not have the time or energy to gather evidence and file claims, especially if you’re on bed rest. A lawyer will handle the case for you, allowing you to focus on recovery.
- Fighting for Your Rights: Insurance companies and large businesses often try to minimize payouts. A skilled attorney will stand up for your rights and fight for the compensation you need.
Where Can You Find a Lawyer?
At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve been helping injured clients for over 35 years, and we know how to fight for you and your baby. We have the resources and experience to handle your case, and we won’t settle for less than you deserve.
- Nationwide Reach: We are America’s largest injury law firm, with attorneys in every state.
- Proven Success: We’ve recovered over $20 billion for our clients.
- No Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Let Morgan & Morgan Fight for You
Getting injured while pregnant is a traumatic experience. If you or your unborn baby have been harmed due to a slip and fall, you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. We’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Fill out our free case evaluation form to get started today.