Slipping and falling may lead to catastrophic physical injuries. Fractured bones and other trauma can put you in the hospital for days or longer. You could experience lasting injuries, pain and limited range of movement. All of these things can impact your livelihood, health and quality of life. Contact an attorney to find out if you have an injury claim.
What is Considered a Slip and Fall?
Any time you take a tumble is considered a slip and fall. The question is whether someone else’s negligence caused the incident. If so, you may be eligible to pursue compensation with the help of an experienced attorney.
Here are some of the ways we’ve seen these injuries occur:
- Spills
- Wet floors
- Store merchandise obstructions
- Snow
- Ice
- Standing water
- Cracked, damaged or uneven walking surfaces
- Obstructions, equipment or cords placed dangerously across walking surfaces
- A leaky pipe that causes ice to form on a sidewalk
- Unsigned hazards
This list is not exhaustive. If you don’t see the cause of your slip and fall listed here, you probably still have a case to make if someone else is responsible for the incident that made you slip. Call an attorney to find out.
Fault for a Slip and Fall
Determining exactly who is liable for your injuries is a little more complex. You may have slipped on a wet floor, perhaps at a shopping mall without any “wet floor” warnings present, but who exactly is responsible? Liability in slip and fall injuries often involves:
- Retailers
- Malls
- Theme parks
- Cruise ships
- Airports
- Construction companies
- Employers
- Transportation agencies
- Private companies
- Municipalities
- Landlords
- Property managers
Your attorney must weigh your case against local, state and federal laws and ordinances. For example, laws in your state determine whether your landlord can be held responsible for a snowy stairwell, and under what conditions. Someone is not always liable when you fall somewhere other than your home. There are many factors at play, all of which are investigated by your attorney.
Catastrophic Injuries are Possible
The physical trauma from falling runs the gamut:
- Fractures
- Spinal cord injury
- Head injury
- Lacerations
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Neck injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Internal organ trauma
You could be unable to work for weeks, or permanently unable to work. These types of injuries can even lead to permanent disability.
Slip and Fall Compensation
In a lawsuit handled by your attorney, monetary compensation is sought for all of the ways the injury has impacted your life, including:
- Medical bills
- Loss of wages and income
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished earning capacity
- Rehabilitation expenses
Monetary awards are called “damages.” The list of damages above is not exhaustive. You may have other issues for which you want to seek compensation. Let your attorney evaluate all of the ways you were impacted by your injuries.
Claim Evaluation
Contact an experienced slip and fall attorney to find out if you have a case. Having an attorney on your side means the insurance company may take your claim more seriously. It also means you can focus on your recovery while leaving the negotiations to your lawyer.
