Slip-and-fall accidents are likely to result in disabling and expensive medical repercussions. The general causes, what to do after an accident, legal requirements, possible medical costs, receiving compensation, and averting such mishaps are significant components of information for anyone.
Slip and fall accidents frequently occur, and it is important that you have information about the causes of this kind of accident. Most of the time, slip-and-fall accidents happen due to slippery floors.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents:
Slip and fall accidents can happen in any environment, but there are some circumstances that lead to them. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Wet or Slippery Surfaces
Spills, rain, or snow on the floor can increase the chances of falling by many folds. This is why wet floor signs are posted at many public facilities when the floor is wet and slippery.
2. Uneven Surfaces
Tripping hazards, such as changes in the floor’s surface levels and rough terrain with small cracks, may cause one to slip.
3. Obstructed Walkways
Obstructed pathways can cause tripping, and if they are congested with items or persons, they pose a high risk of tripping.
4. Loose Rugs or Carpets
Area rugs or carpets on which the carpet edges are either damaged or not well anchored to the ground are likely to trip the feet and cause a fall.
5. Defective Stairways
Stairs that are missing handrails, nosings, or steps pose a significant risk of tripping, as do stairs that are insufficiently lit.
Things to Do Right After a Slip and Fall Injury
The period soon after a slip and fall accident can be very decisive. Here’s what you should do:
1. Prioritize Safety
Make sure to clear any immediate area around you. If your neck has been affected, your head has been injured, or your injury may be more serious, do not move—stay until help comes.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Regardless of how minor your injuries might appear, it’s always a good idea to consult a doctor. There are other types of injuries, like internal bleeding and head injuries, which will not manifest in symptoms until a while after they happen.
3. Report the Incident
Once you know about an incident, let the property owner or manager know. Make sure that you register the accident time and location.
4. Gather Evidence
If possible, after you fall, capture the scene and circumstances leading up to your fall, as well as how you fell and whether you were injured.
5. Identify Witnesses
If you have witnesses to your accident, ask them for their details. It’s always useful when they can speak to the matters at hand and offer a testimony that may help win the case.
6. Preserve Evidence
The patient should keep any documentation concerning the treatment, expenditure receipts, and communications that went on. This is essential for determining how much harm was suffered and also for proving negligence.
7. Avoid Social Media
Facebook and other related social media platforms should be used carefully during this time. Insurance companies may use some of those posts against you in an effort to lower your claim.
8. Consult a Lawyer
Seek the legal services of slip and fall lawyers as they will guide you through the legal procedures as a representative.
Legal Issues that surround Slip and Fall Claims
Proving negligence in a slip-and-fall case involves establishing the following elements:
- Duty of Care: Property owners were responsible for making the site safe to visit and failed.
- Breach of Duty: Usually, the property owner has a legal obligation to rectify a danger, inform patrons of the danger beforehand, or do anything else necessary to avoid injuries.
- Causation: Their negligence resulted in the accident, clearly violating the property owner’s duty.
- Damages: You had actual physical or monetary damages as a result of the accident.
Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents
Some of the usual complaints of clients who have been involved in slip and fall accidents are:
1. Sprains and Strains
Injury to the muscles and ligaments commonly affects those areas of the body that were in contact with the ground during the fall.
2. Fractures
Fractures are expressed in a large number of falls, especially in cases where the victim tries to use his/her hands or arms to cushion the impact.
3. Head Injuries
Another dangerous consequence of slipping and falling is getting a concussion or a traumatic brain injury.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries
Injury to the spinal cord results in permanent paralysis or, at least, a lack of sensation and movement in the affected parts.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries
Injury to the tendons, muscles, or ligaments around the joint can result in pain and swelling and take time to heal.
Seeking Compensation for Damages
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
1. Medical Expenses
These include emergency care bills, surgery bills, PT bills, and any other medical expenses that the patient might be incurring presently.
2. Lost Wages
You will be able to claim lost wages or earnings in the event that, due to the accident, you are unable or restricted from going to work.
3. Pain and Suffering
Punitive damages for physical injuries give rise to pain and suffering, and other damages for emotional suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
4. Permanent Disability
Extra compensation is payable where the injury has rendered a person permanently disabled.
Measures that are Taken to Prevent or Minimize Slip and Fall Accidents
While accidents can happen, there are steps property owners can take to minimize the risk of slips and falls:
1. Regular Inspections
Property owners should engage in regular inspections, which may allow them to notice some of the factors likely to cause an accident and prevent it from occurring.
2. Adequate Lighting
Night lighting on all walkways and steps should be arranged to ensure that the facility is well-lit and visible.
3. Warning Signs
Signages that warn of specific dangers or imply every potential danger can be put up near them to possibly warn people to be cautious of the specific danger.
4. Handrails
Having handrails that fit well on stairways and walkways is important in ensuring that people get the support they need while navigating your premises.
5. Non-Slip Surfaces
The construction material should have a low friction coefficient to minimize the likelihood of slipping in wet or slippery conditions.
6. Regular Cleaning
Keeping the environment tidy will allow patrons to notice any dangers more easily. Whenever a spill occurs, ensure it is cleaned as soon as possible to remove the risk of a slip.
Tips for Navigating the Claims Process
Dealing with insurance claims and laws is stressful and daunting when you are injured and have no means of getting help. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:
1. Keep Records
Record all communications, expenditures, and other incidents that you have gone through in the case of an accident and the resulting recovery.
2. Follow Medical Advice
For a better recovery, follow your doctor’s recommended treatments and rehabilitation plan.
3. Be Patient
Injuries and the claims process can be very time-consuming for individuals. Take your time whenever you try to make any change and avoid hasty actions.
4. Stay Informed
Know your rights in detail and what’s likely to happen in the future. Knowledge is an important element in decision-making; this material will help deepen your understanding of the possibilities.
Conclusion
It’s essential to know what to do after a slip and fall accident so that you can protect your rights and get the right amount of compensation you deserve. Always avoid taking any actions without consulting your safety and collecting evidence; finally, you need to find a competent slip-and-fall lawyer. When you take the right steps, you are able to have your voice given a chance and receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
