What You Need to Know about Slip & Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents injure thousands of people each year and can happen when you least expect it. Fortunately, by educating yourself about slips, trips, and falls, you can reduce your risk of getting hurt by one and ensure that you are able to protect your rights in the event that you are. Here are some of the most important things to know about slip and fall accidents.

Slip & Fall Victims Should Typically Retain an Attorney

Many victims of slip and fall accidents do not think their situation is serious enough to warrant retaining an attorney to help them recover compensation. It's critical for victims to understand that both property owners and their insurers are highly incentivized to settle cases for as little as they possibly can, and failing to retain a personal injury lawyer to represent you in settlement negotiations can result in you accepting an offer that is far below the actual value of your case.

In addition, there are cases in which property owners attempt to deny liability for slip and fall accidents entirely, so it's important to protect your rights from the outset by retaining an attorney immediately after your accident.

They are Extremely Common

Slip and fall accidents are invariably among the most common causes of accidental injury in the United States. According to data provided by the National Safety Council and the National Flooring Safety Institute:

Falls are the leading cause of ER visits
More than 1 million people go to the emergency department for fall-related injuries each year
Slip and fall accidents are responsible for more missed days of work than any other type of workplace accident
Slip and falls are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims for people over 55

Slip & Falls Can Cause Serious Injuries

Perhaps because they are so common, people often discount slip and fall accidents as a potential cause of serious injuries. While it's certainly true that the vast majority of people who slip and fall walk away with little more than bumps or bruises, it's important to be aware of the fact that these incidents can also leave you with severe and life-changing injuries. Some of the more serious injuries that you can sustain in a slip and fall accident include:

Broken bones
Hip fractures
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal injuries

When severe, these and other slip and fall accident injuries can leave victims with long-term medical problems. In some instances, victims are unable to return to work or engage in everyday activities without assistance.

Victims are often Entitled to Substantial Compensation

Fortunately, in many cases, slip and fall victims are entitled to significant compensation for their injuries and other losses. Under state law, people who are injured by the negligence of other people can file an action to recover compensation for the damages they suffered as a result of their accident. For this reason, in slip and fall cases, it is necessary for victims to determine whether their accident was the result of the negligence of the party responsible for the maintenance of the property of which their accident occurred.

Some of the more common causes of slip and falls that are typically attributable to negligence include:

Inadequate lighting
Uneven flooring
Wet or slippery floors
Exposed electrical wiring
Debris in walkways or aisles
Torn carpet
Uneven stairs
Cracks in pavement
Uneven tiles

As an accident victim, it’s vital to document the hazard that caused your accident. If you are able to do so, take pictures of the scene of the accident, taking care to highlight the cause of your slip, trip, or fall. In addition, ask anyone that saw the incident for contact information so you can reach out to them later if necessary.

Created by Blair and Ramirez LLP