Can a Slip and Fall Cause a Miscarriage?

Can a slip and fall cause a miscarriage? While it might seem common on television, how often do miscarriages happen from slip and falls in everyday life?

A miscarriage may happen from any trauma, but the risk will depend on how far along you are and the severity of the slip and fall. The human body is a remarkable tool, and while you are pregnant, your body is built to protect your unborn baby and even survive a small amount of trauma.

What Expectant Mothers Should Know about Slip and Fall Trauma

Specific circumstances can increase the chances of a miscarriage, which would occur in the first 20 weeks, but also increase the likelihood of a stillbirth, which is after the 20-week mark.

Early Pregnancy Slip and Fall Accidents

Early pregnancy, such as the first trimester, is unlikely to see a miscarriage from a slip, or trip, and fall. During this stage, the fetus is incredibly small, and the positioning makes it hard for even a fall down the staircase to cause a miscarriage.

There is a risk of a placental abruption, which would lead to a miscarriage. However, this requires extreme trauma, such as falling violently down an entire flight of stairs. Even then, the chances of a miscarriage at this early stage in the pregnancy are incredibly low.

Later Pregnancy Slip and Fall Accidents

After your first trimester, your uterus does increase in size, and this increases the risk of a miscarriage from a slip and fall accident. Still, the female body is specifically designed to protect an unborn child during minor accidents. The unborn baby is protected by amniotic fluid, which is designed to absorb shock and protect the fetus. The risk of miscarriage in the second trimester is low still, and the risk of stillbirth in the third trimester is equally low.

Falls Are Likely during Pregnancy

Falls are frequent during pregnancy, especially as you advance in your trimesters. Eventually, your center of gravity is affected by the excess weight you carry up front. Furthermore, certain hormones released during pregnancy can affect balance.

One study found that 27 percent of women fell at least once during pregnancy, and 35 percent fell twice or more. Only 20 percent required medical care from a slip and fall accident.

Factors That Influence the Outcome of a Slip and Fall While Pregnant

The impact of your fall on your pregnancy depends on various factors.

• Your Age: The older you are during pregnancy, the more likely you are to fall and the harder it will be to recover. Complications increase for older pregnant women. However, your age will not affect the miscarriage rate.
• Position: If you land directly onto your stomach, then you may have an increased chance of miscarriage compared to someone that lands on their side or back.
• Surface: The type of surface you fall onto will also play a role. Concrete would obviously cause more harm than a carpeted surface.
• Stage of Pregnancy: In the third trimester, you are at higher risk for placental abruption from extreme trauma. Also, the baby is closer to the surface, which means they will take more of the trauma than during earlier stages where they have a more significant cushion.

Your Legal Options If You Suffer from a Miscarriage

A property owner has a legal obligation to keep their property safe for visitors. Whether you are at the grocery store, a friend’s home, or even at your doctor’s office, you expect safety.

Owners of these properties are required to take caution and remove any hazardous conditions. A slip and fall for anyone can cause irreversible injuries, But when you are pregnant and suffer from a miscarriage, it can be even more traumatic.

If you suffer from a miscarriage after a slip and fall, contact an attorney immediately. These types of cases are incredibly complicated. You need an attorney to handle the research and gather the evidence required to prove that the owner is at fault for your injury and losses.

How Slip and Falls Happen

A slip and fall can happen even in a seemingly safe environment. Some of the common causes of a slip and fall include:

• Uneven or slick surfaces
• Cluttered floors
• Recently washed or waxed flooring
• Uneven walkways or uneven staircases
• Weather
• Defective sidewalks

Damages for a Miscarriage from a Slip and Fall

No compensation amount could make up for the loss of your unborn child. But an attorney may be able to fight for compensation and hold the property owner accountable for their negligence. When you miscarry because of a slip, trip, or fall, you might recover financial compensation for:

• Medical Costs – Including all medical costs to recover from the miscarriage, any surgical procedures required, and future medical expenses.
• Lost Wages – Time you miss from work while recovering from your injuries, or future wages if you are disabled after the accident and cannot return to work.
• Pain and Suffering – This includes not only the physical pain, but the emotional trauma that comes from losing a child.

Slip and fall injury cases fall under premises liability. Premises liability is an area of personal injury law that focuses on an owner’s obligation to provide a safe environment. When an owner breaches that obligation or duty, the courts allow victims to seek compensation.

Speak with an Injury Attorney Regarding Your Fall

After a miscarriage from a slip and fall, you may find yourself burdened with many questions. You might even think that there is no reason to file a lawsuit because the damage is already done. However, a suit does more than provide you with compensation. It ensures that the property owner corrects that hazardous condition so that another person just like you are not injured too.

Furthermore, compensation can help cover the medical costs and lost wages so that you can focus on recovering physically and emotionally.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.