While all accidents are unexpected, a fall can be immediately jarring and result in serious injuries. Whether you’re in a public place or on someone’s private property, you have the right to hold the responsible party accountable for your fall, as well as the physical, financial, and emotional consequences. Our Jackson slip and fall accident lawyers can explain and protect your rights.
If you’re concerned about medical bills and lost wages, we will investigate the circumstances of your fall and work to pursue compensation for the burdens associated with your accident. In order to begin the claim process, you may benefit from having some background knowledge on slip and fall accidents.
How Common Are Slip and Fall Accidents?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of people fall every year. While many falls do not result in injury, the ones that do can be severe. Let’s take a look at the facts and statistics surrounding slip and fall accidents:
- One in five falls results in a serious injury, like a broken bone or head trauma.
- Three million older people are treated in emergency room departments for fall injuries.
- Of those patients, 800,000 are hospitalized.
- 300,000 of those older patients are hospitalized for hip fractures.
- More than 95 percent of hip fractures are caused by falling sideways.
- Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
- The fall rate is anticipated to rise to seven deaths every hour by 2030.
- Falls total more than $50 billion in medical expenses.
There are a number of factors that contribute to falling. While many of these are hazards or dangers like broken or uneven steps, spills, or clutter, there are factors that can increase or decrease depending on the person. These risks, especially for older individuals, include:
- Vision problems
- Difficulties with walking and balance
- Lower body weakness
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Foot pain
- Poor footwear
- Certain medications
While the risk factors above are different depending on the individual, there are certain places these types of accidents are more likely to happen.
Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen?
While slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, there are certain locations and situations where the chance is greater.
- Stairs. Stairs are a common slip and fall location because they aren’t always kept clear. This is especially true at churches and worship centers that do not have entry ramps for older individuals who have difficulty walking. You may have the grounds for a premises liability case if you fall on stairs that should have been kept clear by the owner of a property.
- Grocery Stores. Liquid and food spills happen frequently in grocery stores. If the mess isn’t cleaned up or marked as a hazard, someone could easily slip and fall.
- Work. Many workers’ compensation claims are associated with falls that occurred in the workplace. This is most common in the construction and manufacturing industries and the medical field.
- Hotels/Casinos. Hotels and casinos are often filled with people. Because of the crowds, it can be difficult for employees to identify hazards like torn carpets or spilled drinks.
- Restaurants. Spills, just like in grocery stores, are not uncommon in restaurants. As a result, wait staff and diners are at risk of falling.
If you’ve experienced a fall in any of the above locations, or somewhere else, our attorneys are prepared to represent you.
What Injuries Are Associated With a Slip and Fall Accident?
Depending on the severity of the accident, a slip and fall can change a person’s day, month, or even life. The injuries, which range depending on where and how the fall happens, can be painful and expensive to recover from. The most common injuries associated with slip and falls include the following:
- Head Injuries. Even a minor head injury can be a medical emergency. If you fall and hit your head, especially if there is bleeding, swelling, or a brief loss of consciousness, immediate medical attention is necessary.
- Soft Tissue Injuries. While soft tissue injuries aren’t visible, they can take weeks or longer to heal. These injuries can range from a minor ankle or wrist sprain to devastating tears in ligaments and tendons.
- Spinal Cord Injuries. This type of injury can be life-threatening and may result in a lifelong disability or death. Immediate and ongoing medical treatment is necessary.
- Fractures. Broken bones are painful and range greatly in severity. While a minor fracture may heal over the course of a series of weeks or months, more severe breaks may require surgeries and physical therapy.
- Abrasions/Lacerations/Contusions. While generally superficial, bruises and cuts can look quite severe. Stitches may be necessary in some cases. More serious injuries are often underneath superficial wounds.
How Are Settlements for Slip and Fall Cases Determined?
There are generally three questions that surround a slip and fall case:
- Who is liable for the accident?
- How did the liable party’s actions contribute to the accident?
- Did the victim cause their own accident in any way?
The answers to these questions will determine how the case goes and the possibility for compensation.
Property owners are supposed to provide a clear space for others to walk. If there are hazards, like poor lighting, limited visibility, or clutter, and someone falls, they can be held liable for their negligence. The right legal team will investigate your claim and build a case to prove your accident should have been prevented.
How Can a Slip and Fall Accident Attorney in Jackson Help?
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you owe it to yourself to talk to an experienced lawyer from Pittman, Roberts & Welsh. We have years of experience handling a variety of personal injury cases, including slip and fall and premises liability. To learn about your legal rights and options, contact our firm today.
