A slip-and-fall injury can be a scary experience, especially if you are an expectant mother. A slip-and-fall injury is one of the most common classifications for a personal injury claim. These types of injuries fall under the broader category of personal injury law known as premises liability claims. Learn more about these kinds of claims below, and contact an experienced New York personal injury attorney if you have been hurt in a slip and fall in The Bronx.
Premises liability is a legal concept that explains that the owner of a property must keep it clear and free of any dangerous conditions or hazards that can cause an injury. Common hazards that can cause an injury include cracked or broken sidewalks, broken floorboards, a spill that causes a slippery surface, weak or broken handrails, and even failure to clean up natural hazards like snow or ice.
A slip and fall injury does not necessarily require an individual to have slipped or fallen. Rather if an individual gets injured because of hazardous conditions on the premises, they may have grounds to make that claim. The main causes for slip and fall injuries for women who are pregnant are related to falling because of slippery surfaces and staircases. Common types of slip and fall incidents can result in the following injuries:
- Broken bones
- Strained wrists or ankles
- An injury to the nerve or the spine
- An injury to the head.
- In extreme falls, maternal or fetal death may occur.
If you are pregnant and suffer a slip and fall injury, you may be concerned about how the injury will impact you and your unborn child. The good news is, an unborn baby is very well protected when they are still in their mother’s womb. In many cases, when a pregnant woman falls, her unborn child will usually be safe because the mother absorbs the brunt of the impact. Many women who experience falls during their pregnancy go on to give birth to healthy babies. Still, a slip and fall injury can cause emotional distress that could impact the rest of her pregnancy.
Potential Medical Issues of a Slip and Fall While Pregnant
If you suffer a slip and fall while you are pregnant, it is important to seek medical care right away. A medical professional like your OB-GYN will be able to assess you and your unborn baby’s health. A medical evaluation is critical for both your health and developing your slip and fall injury claim.
If you experience any of the following after your slip and fall, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away.
- Abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Uterine contraction
- Abnormal baby movements or no baby movements at all
Should I Contact a Lawyer About a Slip and Fall While Pregnant?
After receiving a medical evaluation for you and your baby, it’s important to reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer who has worked with claimants of slip and fall cases.
You might have strong legal grounds to move forward with a claim on behalf of your and your child. Commercial property owners have a legal obligation under New York premises liability law to keep their property free of any obstructions that may cause you injury. That responsibility extends to homeowners as well.
Keep proper documentation of all your medical expenses for both you and your unborn child. This evidence can prove to be substantial in settling your case. If you can provide sufficient evidence of a property owner’s negligence in keeping an area free and clear of any hazards, then you’ll have a greater chance of reaching a fair settlement for both you and your unborn child.
How to Prove a Slip and Fall Case
Because every pregnancy-related slip and fall case varies from another, proving the case will vary as well. Typically, however, the burden lies with the injured individual to prove that the dangerous condition existed that caused them to slip and fall. If you are able to obtain surveillance video of your slip and fall injury, this can help prove your case. Insurance companies will often try to blame wrongdoing on the individual claiming the injury. Evidence, especially surveillance footage, can prove invaluable in your case. An experienced injury attorney will know what evidence is most important in your case and how to collect it.
If you have been the victim of a slip and fall injury while pregnant, reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer who can stand by your side. Give us a call or send us a message today to begin the discussion of your legal rights and options. In the Bronx, call the Kohn Law Firm at 718-409-1200.