Slip and Fall Lawyer 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, slips, trips, and falls make up the bulk of regular accidents, which account for:

• 15% of all accidental deaths per year, the second-leading cause behind motor vehicles
• About 25% of all reported injury claims per fiscal year
• More than 95 million lost work days per year – about 65% of all work days lost

Generally speaking, slips occur when there is a loss of traction between your shoe and the walking surface. More often than not, these are some of the culprits:

• Wet or greasy floors
• Dry floors with wood dust or powder
• Polished or freshly waxed floors
• Ramps and gang planks without skid-resistant surfaces
• Metal surfaces – dock plates, construction plates
• Weather hazards – rain, sleet, ice, snow, hail, frost

While not all of the hazards can be prevented, it is the responsibility of the relevant entity to ensure that sufficient care is taken to avoid all those that are indeed preventable.

Semantics

While the word “slip” is used, the phrase “slip and fall” refers to any case in which a person falls on another’s property. If you have been injured in a slip and fall, it is a good idea to seek the assistance of expert attorneys who are well-versed in the law, and your rights and options.

Pain / Injury from the slip and fall accident

The subsequent injury from a slip and fall accident can vary from nothing more serious than a bruised ego, to head trauma, broken or sprained ankles, and broken or sprained arms, wrists or hands. The impact of the fall can cause trauma to your bones, joints, muscles and ligaments, as well as the nervous system.

Don’t underestimate the damage that may have been done. Often the effects of the slip and fall are only felt a while after the incident. For that reason, it is crucial to quickly seek medical attention after a fall. This is even more important should you need to seek compensation later on.

Circumstances

Although a property owner has an obligation to keep their property in a safe state, not all slip and fall accidents are eligible for reparation. Only if it can be proven that a property owner was negligent, may you be compensated for your injuries.

It is essential, then, that you take note of the specific conditions that resulted in your fall. Gathering evidence such as photographs and witness statements helps to strengthen your case.

Being injured in a slip and fall accident is bad enough. If you are unsure as to whether you have a valid slip, trip or fall compensation claim, contact us for legal advice and a free consultation at (305) 998-7000.