According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries in the United States each year. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that millions of people suffer from injuries caused by falls on an annual basis. Though the term "slip and fall" may seem rather benign, it is not. It can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, fractured hips, traumatic brain injuries, etc. While some slip and fall injuries happen at home and are not due to the fault of anyone, a vast number of these accidents occur as a result of negligence. Negligent actions (or inactions) can take form in many ways to include loose mats, lack of warning signs on slippery surfaces, uneven floors, and many other situations. If you have suffered injuries after a slip and fall accident that you believe is the fault of another person or party, it is recommended that you connect with a personal injury attorney like the professionals at Grossman Law Offices in Fresno. Premise liability cases are not always easy to prove and most often will require the help of an experienced attorney to effectively pursue a successful slip and fall personal injury claim. Learn more about the causes of slip and fall accidents as well as what to do after one has occurred below.
Reasons For Slip and Fall Incidents
Each year, more than one million people go to the emergency room for slip and fall accidents resulting in major injuries. These incidents can occur for any number of reasons. In some cases, victims may believe that the injury is their fault, when in fact, it is actually due to the negligence of a property owner. When in doubt, contact an attorney. Some of the most common reasons for slip and fall injuries include:
-
Wet Surfaces
-
Uneven Floors
-
Unaccounted for Weather Conditions
-
Lack of Proper Training on the workforce
-
Neglect Within a Nursing Home
-
Inadequate Footwear
-
Fraudulent and/or Nefarious Actions
Common Injuries From Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall incidents are nothing to scoff at. Though the human body is rather resilient, it is particularly vulnerable to falling. Falls can lead to serious injuries (including death). Those injuries can lead to long recovery periods, expensive medical bills, significant loss of income, as well as a decreased standard of living (temporary or permanent). Listed below are some of the most common injuries suffered by victims of slip and fall incidents.
-
Fractured or broken bones
-
Bruises, cuts, pulled and/or torn muscles
-
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) - Falls are the leading cause of this injury
-
Hip fractures
-
Back and/or spinal cord injuries
What to do if You Have Been Injured in a Slip and Fall Incident
If you have been involved in a slip and fall incident, it is imperative that you immediately seek medical attention. Without professional recognition of your injuries, a slip and fall claim can be nearly impossible to substantiate. Furthermore, it is important to contact the owner and/or manager of the property that the accident occurred and inform them of the injury as soon as possible. Once you have taken care of your medical needs, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. In most cases, an attorney will offer a free consultation. During your meeting, they will decide whether or not your case has merit (or is at least worth investigating further). Though you may be tempted to settle your personal injury case on your own without the help of an attorney, it is not advisable. An adept personal injury attorney will give you the best opportunity of receiving full and fair compensation for your injuries.