There are all sorts of everyday situations which can result in accidents that in turn lead to serious injuries. Slips and trips are a great example of this, as damage done after a preventable fall can leave you in a bad way.
This is also the type of injury which everyone will experience at some point in their lives. So to keep you in the know and give you the info you need to act decisively if you are seriously hurt following a fall, read on.
Contents
What is a Slip and Fall Injury?
Source: dreamstime.com
Slip and fall injuries occur when an individual slips, trips or falls due to hazardous conditions. They are some of the most widespread accidents that can happen in both public and private settings, such as walkways, sidewalks, stairways, parking lots or other areas where people may be walking.
These types of injuries can range from minor bumps and bruises to more serious fractures or sprains. In some cases they can even result in long-term disability or death, depending on the severity of the injury.
It’s important to understand the scenarios that lead to these injuries, and your rights if you have been injured in a slip and fall accident so you know what steps you should take next.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall injuries can be caused by a variety of hazardous conditions, including wet floors, uneven surfaces, icy or slippery walkways, poorly maintained staircases or walkways with broken tiles. In some instances they may even be caused by a lack of adequate lighting in the area.
This type of accident can also happen due to objects that were left on the floor, such as boxes or furniture, that could cause someone to trip.
By appreciating which hazards lead to an increased likelihood of being injured in a fall, you’re in a better position to avoid them. But of course sometimes they’re impossible to detect until it’s too late; wet or icy surfaces are a good example of this.
How to Prevent Slip and Falls
Source: occupationalhc.com
As mentioned, slip and fall accidents can be prevented by taking the necessary precautions when walking, regardless of the environment you’re moving through.
It is crucial to pay attention to your surroundings, especially when dealing with surfaces that you know or suspect to be slipper, such as recently washed floors or wintry sidewalks.
Make sure you are wearing shoes or winter boots with good traction that will help keep you from slipping as much as possible. Additionally, make sure there are no objects left on the ground that could create a tripping hazard for yourself or others. This applies more in the home environment where you’re in control of your surroundings, obviously.
Finally, pay attention when going up or down stairs and always use handrails for extra security if available.
What Should You Do If You Suffer a Slip and Fall Injury?
If you suffer an injury from slipping or falling, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if the injury seems minor, you should still have it assessed to make sure that there are no long-term effects.
After seeking medical help, contact a team of skilled lawyers to handle your personal injury claim. Experts who have experience in personal injury cases will provide legal guidance throughout the process of pursuing compensation for your injuries.
It is also a good idea to take photos of where you fell and any visible injuries, and any other damage that were caused by the fall, so they can be used as evidence in court if necessary.
The Impact of Serious Injuries from Slipping or Falling
If you suffer serious injuries from a slip and fall accident, you may be facing both physical and financial challenges.
You may be unable to work as a result of your injury, leading to lost wages. Additionally, medical bills for treatments such as surgeries or rehabilitation can often be financially overwhelming.
Always remember that if the accident was caused due to someone else’s negligence, then you have the right to seek legal help and pursue compensation for these damages.
Your Legal Rights After Suffering an Injury in a Slip & Fall Accident
Source: dreamstime.com
If you have suffered injuries from a slip and fall accident due to someone else’s negligence, then you may have the legal right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
In most cases, the person or company responsible for creating the hazardous conditions that caused your injury can be held liable.
As we discussed earlier, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can explain all of your legal rights and help you navigate through this process so that you get the justice and compensation that are rightfully yours.
What Your Lawyer Will Do For You
So by now you know that your best course of action is to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer after a slip or fall incident; but what will a professional in this field actually do?
Most importantly, they will help determine liability and build your case so that you can get the maximum amount of compensation possible. And of course if they don’t think that you’ve got a strong chance of achieving compensation, they will advise you on what other steps you might take, if any.
Your lawyer can also provide legal advice on how best to proceed with filing a lawsuit against the responsible person or company so that they are held liable for their negligence. In certain situations it could be that the financial compensation is only part of the picture, and taking cases to trial could even bring about regulatory changes.
Key Takeaways
You might still be sitting there feeling daunted and powerless after a slip and fall injury which left you in a bad way. However, you need to know that the law is on your side in this case, and expert attorneys are more than capable of fighting your corner.
