Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and at any time the least you expect it. Victims are usually left with huge amounts of hospital bills to pay, not to mention the excruciating pain and emotional suffering due to the injury caused by another person’s negligence.
There’s a lot that you need to go through should you decide to file a claim. From presenting proof and evidence, negotiating with the insurance company to bringing the case to court. You can count on ODG Law’s successful slip and fall accident lawyer to defend your rights and represent you in court if necessary.
What are the Main Causes of a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident happens for several reasons and it all boils down to negligence. The injuries suffered by the victim can be minor to serious, such as scratches and broken bones to traumatic brain injury. The main causes of this accident include:
Damaged Floors. Due to the poor construction materials used, old age, or earthquakes, floors can sometimes become damaged. It could have cracks or fissures or even rise a bit and can cause people to slip, trip, and fall on the damaged area. Employers and companies must ensure that their working environment is safe for workers or employees.
Walkways or Sidewalks Cracks. Not only on floors can you find cracks and fissures, but also on walkways or sidewalks. People walking on the sidewalks can get hurt especially older people and children. They usually don’t notice where they are walking or what they are walking on.
Messy and Slippery Floors. Another reason for slip and fall accidents is messy floors, containing various objects and spills, which make the floor itself slippery. This is usually common in supermarkets, malls, restaurants, warehouses, hotels, and hospitals. The management of any establishment must ensure that the floor is free from any objects and put a sign “Wet Floor” after wiping or cleaning it.
Poor Lighting. If you cannot clearly see where you are walking or going, slipping and falling might likely happen. Stairs and walkways should have adequate lighting to prevent slip and fall accidents. Employers and property owners must ensure that the working environment or premises are safe for everyone, or face the consequences of their negligence.
Proper and adequate lighting makes it easy and safe for people to navigate the place where they are going. It’s the employer or property owner’s responsibility to keep their place secure to prevent such accidents.
Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer: What are Some of the Most Common Injuries that Victims Suffer from a Slip and Fall Accident?
Slip and fall injuries can vary from small cuts and broken bones to severe head trauma. Victims can suffer various injuries, including:
Bruises and Contusions. Muscles may experience bruising after a slip and fall accident because they are the ones that come in contact first when you fall. They protect the bones and other organs in the body that’s why they get the beating first after an accident.
Sprained Ankles or Wrists. When we fall down, our natural reflexes work as we put our hands forward to support our weight. However, there are times when the hands suffer sprain because of the fall’s impact. A sprained ankle, on the other hand, occurs when the foot becomes twisted after falling. There’s a possibility that a torn ligament may occur in the feet or wrist creating pain and discomfort when you move.
Nerve or Spinal Cord Damage. Usually, when we fall, it’s our back or butt that hits the floor first. Falling hard impacts the nerve or spine creating damage and paralysis in the long run. If you’re a worker and became paralyzed, you might need to look for another job.
Broken or Fractured Bones. Older people and children are most susceptible because their bones are brittle and can break easily. As a matter of fact, falls account for 87% of fractured or broken bones in elderlies. It may take months or years to heal depending on the severity of the damage.
Knee Injuries. Knee joints play a crucial part in supporting the body’s weight. Once it suffers an injury, you’ll have a hard time walking because of the excruciating pain. Injured knees may suffer from fractures, dislocations, torn tendons, meniscal tears, and ruptured ligaments. In worse cases, knee injuries need surgery to keep the knees functioning again.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). This could be the worst injury a person may have following a slip and fall accident. The victim’s head may knock on a hard object such as the wall, floor, furniture, or appliances. It may take years for the injury to heal or not at all.
Need Help in Filing a Claim? Book a Free Case Evaluation with ODG Law Group
Filing a slip and fall accident claim is the only option that a victim can make himself “whole” again following a tragic accident. ODG Law can help you file a claim and at the same time, protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Our competent and effective slip and fall accident lawyer will provide you with all the essential help that you need. We work on a contingency fee basis so you don’t have to pay us upfront. Call us today at (818) 975-3080 or email us your queries..
