Compensation After a Slip and Fall While Pregnant

Representing Pregnant Women in Slip and Fall Accident Cases in Chicago

Slip and fall accidents in Chicago and Cook County are all too common and can cause serious injuries. If you suffer from a slip and fall while pregnant, the consequences can be even more devastating. Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers has represented pregnant women who have gotten hurt in fall accidents caused by someone else’s negligence.

Our firm can help you seek compensation for legal damages after a dangerous slip and fall accident. These incidents pose risks to both you and your unborn baby. Whether the fall occurred in a store, apartment complex, hospital, or workplace, we will help you hold the at-fault party accountable.

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

Our top-rated injury firm has decades of experience representing injured victims in Cook County. Here are some past settlements we have secured for our clients:

• $4 million – Robert, a 71-year-old retired electrician from Garfield Ridge, was admitted to a downtown Chicago hospital for routine hip replacement surgery. Just hours after the procedure, he fell while walking unassisted to the bathroom. The impact caused a fatal subdural hematoma. The hospital’s failure to provide appropriate fall precautions led to a significant wrongful death settlement.
• $2 million – Danielle, a young teacher from Humboldt Park, slipped on an unsalted walkway leading into a neighborhood church on Chicago’s Northwest Side. She fractured her pelvis and needed extensive rehabilitation. Records and witness statements proved that the church staff failed to treat the ice.
• $1.2 million – Marcia, 58, fell hard after slipping on spilled juice in the aisle of a national chain grocery store near Fullerton Avenue. Surveillance footage showed store employees walking past the spill without cleaning it. The injury disrupted her ability to work and care for her grandchildren.
• $1 million – Nick, a 44-year-old marketing executive, tripped over a loose extension cord in a River North office tower. He fractured his wrist and hand, requiring surgery and physical therapy. The building staff failed to tape down or mark the cord, despite earlier complaints that day.

Why Choose Us for Your Pregnancy Slip and Fall Case in Chicago

As the top-rated pregnancy fall attorneys in Chicago, we are uniquely equipped to guide you through the claims process. We have experience handling cases with both maternal and fetal injuries. 

When a quick response is needed to preserve evidence, we can act immediately. Our team will collaborate with OB/GYN medical experts and neonatal specialists to assess damages. We have a proven track record in high-stakes personal injury claims involving pregnant women. 

What Causes Slips and Falls?

Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere in Chicago, but they are especially dangerous for expectant mothers. Here are some common causes of these accidents:

• Wet floors with no warning signs in stores or restaurants
• Icy sidewalks
• Untreated parking lots
• Uneven surfaces on sidewalks
• Poor lighting in stairways and hallways
• Lack of railings near stairs
• Obstructed walkways in public and residential areas

What Are Common Injuries Sustained in Slips and Falls During Pregnancy?

Maternal Injuries

• Pelvic bone fractures
• Hip fractures
• Wrist or elbow fractures
• Back injuries
• Herniated discs
• Early labor
• Internal bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Direct trauma to the head
• Concussions
• Vaginal bleeding
• Fluid leakage

Fetal Injuries

• Preterm labor
• Amniotic fluid loss
• Uterine contractions
• Placental abruption
• Miscarriage
• Fetal distress
• Birth complications
• Reduced fetal movement or oxygen supply
• Developmental delays

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

One of your legal options after a slip and fall is to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If successful, you can receive a fair settlement to cover some of your losses. The two primary types of losses are economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Medical expenses (emergency room visits, rehabilitation costs, surgery, OB care, monitoring, delivery, and fetal health monitoring)
• Future medical expenses

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress and trauma
• Disability
• Complications affecting future pregnancies
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life

What Is the Average Payout for a Slip and Fall While Pregnant?

The settlement amount is influenced by multiple factors, including the severity of the injuries, the extent of the legal damages suffered, the available evidence, insurance policy limits, and the effectiveness of the attorney. The average settlement for a slip and fall while pregnant is $869,927. 

Example Cases

Evelyn was in her third trimester and was walking down a staircase in a school when she slipped and fell. She suffered multiple injuries, including a ruptured placenta, which forced her into an emergency Caesarean. Evelyn sued the school system and the school operators for allowing a dangerous condition, as recent snowfall had left some of the stairs wet. She was awarded $2.75 million for pain and suffering. 

Jennifer was five months pregnant when she stepped into a recreational wading pool while holding her one-year-old. She immediately slipped on the bottom and suffered injuries to her spinal cord. Due to her pregnancy, medical scans and treatment had to be delayed. Jennifer sued the company that had just coated the pool’s floor. Jennifer secured $1.2 million for lost earning capacity, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. 

Why You Need a Lawyer

If you suffer from a fall during pregnancy, it can lead to sensitive medical care issues and dual injuries to both yourself and the developing baby. Injuries that affect the unborn baby’s well-being are hard to diagnose without expert testimony. Additionally, insurance companies often undervalue emotional distress and future health risks.

Therefore, you need a compassionate and skilled attorney to guide you through the claims process. Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers can prove the property owner’s negligence and the long-term effects of the incident. 

How Common Are Falls During Pregnancy?

A study on PubMed Central found that 5-7% of all pregnancies are complicated by injuries, with a large portion of those being the result of falls. Roughly 5.4 per 1,000 fetal deaths were caused by maternal injuries. 

In general, falls during pregnancy happen to 25-27% of expectant mothers, according to a study from Taylor and Francis Online. In colder cities like Chicago, there is a higher risk due to snow and ice. 

Where Do Pregnancy Falls Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Although pregnant women can fall anywhere in Chicago, some locations offer an increased risk of a slip and fall accident:

• Grocery stores and shopping centers
• Apartment and condo complexes
• Medical clinics and hospitals (such as Rush University Medical Center)
• Office buildings
• Hotels and conference venues
• Restaurants
• Stadiums (such as Wrigley Field)
• City sidewalks (especially in winter)

What Laws Apply to Slips and Falls During Pregnancy in Chicago?

One of the primary laws that may affect your claim is state law 740 ILCS 130/. The Premises Liability Act states that a property owner must take reasonable care to prevent tripping hazards and fall risks on the premises. 

One case in particular played a crucial role in highlighting warning signs and the foreseeability of danger. The outcome of Reed v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc provided context for these legal issues when victims get hurt on a commercial property. It should be noted that pregnant women are still subject to comparative fault and the “open and obvious” doctrine. 

How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action in Illinois?

Under state law 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you have two years to file a personal injury claim. However, this timeline is shorter for government entities and employees because of 745 ILCS 10/, so you may only have one year to pursue compensation. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident During Pregnancy?

A slip and fall accident during pregnancy can potentially lead to liability for the following:

• Property owners or managers
• Commercial tenants
• Maintenance services
• Landlords
• Government agencies (for public sidewalks and buildings)

Common Defenses in Pregnancy Slip and Fall Cases

Some of the most common defenses used in slip and fall cases include:

• “Open and obvious” hazard defense
• No notice of the hazard
• The victim wasn’t careful
• Minimizing fetal risk without medical proof
• Weather conditions are natural

Our team can overcome these defenses with maintenance logs, surveillance footage, photos of the hazard, and witness statements.

How to Strengthen Your Case in Chicago

Here are the steps you should follow immediately after the fall to prioritize your legal rights:

• Seek medical attention immediately (OB monitoring and emergency care)
• Take photos of the hazard
• Ask for incident reports and footage
• Preserve clothing and shoes
• Keep all medical records
• Do not speak to insurers
• Consult an expert slip and fall lawyer

How a Chicago Slip and Fall Attorney Can Help

Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers can investigate the property owner, identify liable parties, gather evidence, work with maternal-fetal experts, prove damages, challenge low settlement offers, and handle everything while you focus on your recovery and protecting your unborn baby’s health. 

FAQs

Can a slip and fall cause a miscarriage?

Yes, trauma from a fall can lead to miscarriage or other complications, so schedule an immediate medical evaluation.

What if I didn’t go into labor but still got hurt?

You can still recover a settlement for maternal injuries, emotional trauma, and medical monitoring.

Can I sue if I fell on snow or ice while pregnant?

Yes, especially if the area was negligently maintained or untreated in violation of city ordinances.

How much does an attorney cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us nothing unless we win. 

Book a Free Consultation

Whether you are in the early weeks of your pregnancy or the third trimester, a slip and fall can have major consequences. You can hold the negligent party accountable and recover compensation via a personal injury lawsuit. Our top-rated firm will fight for the rights of both the mother and her developing baby. Contact us today for a free consultation.