What to Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident

When it comes to slip-and-fall accidents in the U.S., there are a surprisingly high number of incidents that occur, resulting in hospital visits. Many slip-and-fall accidents are caused by unsafe conditions at a store or other public business—places most people expect to be safe and free from hazards.

According to the National Floor Safety Institute, 87 percent of all bone fractures in people aged 65+ are caused from slips and falls, contributing to more than one million hospital visits each year. 

 

Understand What Constitutes a Slip-and-Fall Accident

 

A slip-and-fall accident occurs when a person slips, trips or falls on someone else’s property and becomes injured. These types of injuries can typically result from:

• Icy or slippery surfaces
• Ripped or snagged carpet
• Food or liquid spills
• Papers left on the floor or sidewalk
• Improperly fastened or constructed product display units
• Debris left by workers on walkways
• Potholes or defective sidewalks
• Wrong choice of floor covering
• Improperly fastened carpeting
• Insufficient lighting
• And more

Assess Your Injuries

Every slip-and-fall accident is different and each victim can sustain different injuries. If you have a valid case that is taken to court, you will be required to prove that you have been seriously injured in order to prove your case. In order to qualify as serious, the injury must be classified as one of the following:

• A permanent injury
• An injury resulting in significant and permanent disfigurement or scarring
• An injury resulting in significant and permanent loss of one or more bodily functions

Use our Personal Injury Calculator to get a rough estimate of the damages you may be able to receive compensation for.

 

Determine What Your Damages May Be

 

After a slip-and-fall accident, it’s important to wait before accepting any settlement offered from an insurance company. Why? Because until you’ve completed your recovery, you won’t know how much it will cost to get there. Some injuries require months or years of physical therapy, not to mention X-rays, MRIs, surgeries and any other visits needed to assess your injuries.

Signing settlement paperwork or offering to provide a recorded statement gives up your right to sue for the total amount of recoveries you deserve, including pain and suffering. Here are the damages an attorney can fight for when representing your case:

• Medical expenses (one-time or ongoing)
• Lost wages due to recovery
• Prescription drug costs
• Decreased quality of life
• Future consequences and repercussions
• Mental, physical, and emotional pain and suffering
• Legal fees

Consider Who May Be at Fault for the Accident

Property owners have a legal responsibility to make their premises safe for everyone who uses them. This is called premises liability. It includes protecting the safety of consumers, clients and others who walk in and out of office buildings, parking lots, residences, shopping malls and more.

When property owners fail to provide safe premises, they are liable for injuries sustained as a result of poor upkeep or lack of communication of unsafe conditions. If this is the case in your situation, it’s advised to contact a professional attorney to help fight for your damages.

 

Contact a Trusted Personal Injury Law Firm

 

If you’ve become a victim of a slip-and-fall accident due to poorly kept premises, Cohen and Cohen Law is here to help you. Our highly experienced personal injury attorneys can help guide you through the best next steps to get you the recoveries you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today, and see how we can help your case.

 

Learn more about Cohen and Cohen Law and how we can help you by scheduling a free consultation or calling 1-800-33-COHEN now.