Slip and Fall Accidents and Injuries
Slip and fall accidents are unfortunately very common. In fact, they are the second leading cause of unintentional fatal injuries in the country. These accidents can lead to severe injuries which can be painful, frightening, and expensive. You may miss work due to them, need long-term medical care, or both. If the accident occurred due to a property owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.
Types of Slip and Fall Injuries
There are several different types of injuries you can suffer from a slip and fall accident. According to statistics, fractures are the most serious consequence from such accidents. Common types of slip and fall injuries include the following:
- Injury to soft tissue
- Dislocation
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken bones
- Concussion
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can occur for various reasons. The most common causes include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Unsuitable floor covering
- Uneven surfaces
- Low lighting
- Slippery or wet floor
- Broken equipment
- Loose cabling
- Obstructions or debris
Compensation for a Slip and Fall Injury
If you were injured as a result of a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. These compensations are designed to cover various costs during your recovery, such as:
- Loss of wages
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation charges, as well as
- Pain, suffering and inconvenience
Apart from this, you may be entitled to additional compensation if your injury resulted in long-term effects, e.g. mental distress, psychological damages, etc.
Making a Claim
After a slip and fall accident, there are two things that you should do right away. If your injury is severe, get to the emergency room immediately. On the other hand, if it’s a minor injury, collect some evidence from the scene, such as pictures of the area where the incident happened and the cause of the accident; report the incident to the appropriate person in charge at the location of the accident then go to your primary doctor or urgent care. For instance, if you were at a friend’s house and they have an uneven driveway and you tripped on that, take a photo and notify the management company or HOA as soon as practicable. If you were at a shopping mall and you slipped due to wet flooring, take a picture of that and report the accident to the store manager, security office or information desk. Your slip and fall attorney will need this evidence to make a claim.
Slip and Fall Accident at Work
If you slipped and fell at work, the injuries you sustained may be covered differently. In this case, you may be entitled to Workers’ Compensation which may cover some of your lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses and medical bills. According to statistics, 16% of claims involve fall accidents. However, it’s important to note that there have been instances where the victim was not entitled to receive Workers’ Compensation. There are also instances wherein a slip and fall accident did happen during the scope of employment but was caused by the negligence of a third party. In short, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a personal injury lawyer for guidance.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Slip and Fall Attorneys Serving Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact the experienced Slip and Fall Attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC today. All cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we are successful in obtaining compensation for you. Call us now to schedule a free consultation. (703) 560-0700.
References
https://www.nsc.org/work-safety/safety-topics/slips-trips-falls
