Slip & Fall
Individuals, workplaces, and commercial businesses all have a duty to care for their premises so that a visitor to the area does not become injured. If a party fails to maintain their property and a person subsequently slips or trips, the property owner can be held liable for any injuries sustained. While some falls are merely embarrassing, many falls require hospitalization. Falls from heights or where a person lands on their head can even be deadly. If you were injured, contact Mark H. Wright today for help.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls
- Poor lighting or burned out lightbulbs;
- Cluttered floors;
- Cracked concrete, loose floorboards, or potholes;
- Unmarked hazards such as open manhole covers;
- Dilapidated staircases or staircases without proper railings;
- Scaffolding that is not properly erected;
- Slippery surfaces caused by spills or cleaning; and
- More
Slip and Fall Injuries
According to the National Floor Safety Institute, five percent of all falls involve bone fractures. Other injuries that are associated with slip and fall accidents include:
- Muscular injuries such as ligament tears, sprains, or strains;
- Lacerations and bruising;
- Back injuries;
- Joint dislocations;
- Paralysis;
- Traumatic brain injury; or
- More.
The Cost of A Slip and Fall Accident
A 2014 Florida Health report stated that the median hospital bill for a non-fatal fall injury was $52,191. Even a minor fracture will require x-rays to diagnose and could potentially put a person out of work until it heals. In addition to medical bills and lost wages, some injuries are severe enough that a person is left permanently disabled and with emotional distress. A personal injury claim allows an injured victim to seek compensation for all of these damages and more. An attorney will help you compile documentation of all the costs and associated damages of the fall so that the insurance company will not deny your claim.
Steps You Can Take Immediately After Your Injury
If you are able to, take photos of the area where you were injured immediately. If the property owner knows you were injured, they may try to replace the hazard. While that could be well-intentioned so that nobody else gets hurt, it also covers up evidence that the premises were not safe when you were there. Similarly, it is wise to ask any witnesses for their contact information so that they can verify what happened. It is also important to seek medical attention immediately so that there is documentation of your injuries in association with the fall. If your fall was at the workplace, make sure to notify your employer so that they can guide you to a medical professional accepted by the workers’ compensation insurance.
Contact Our Firm Today
If you or a family member has been injured after a slip and fall on another party’s property, you may have a personal injury claim. Often, there was some form of negligence and the accident could have been avoided with better lighting, flooring, cleanliness, or general upkeep. Filing a personal injury claim holds the liable party accountable and also helps ease the financial burden that injuries from a fall can cause. The knowledgeable attorneys at Mark H. Wright, PLLC can help you through the legal process. Call today at 813-425-2020 for a free case evaluation.
