Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of preventable injuries in the United States. These situations can occur anywhere, including private businesses and residences or the workplace.
Slip and fall injuries can take a major toll on your quality of life, even if the injury doesn’t seem that serious at first. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer, like the team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, can help you recover the damages you deserve.
To schedule a free initial case evaluation, call us at (800) 320-HELP or submit this online contact form, and one of our seasoned personal injury attorneys will guide you on the right way forward.
1. Head Injuries
Slip and fall accidents carry a significant risk of head injuries, contributing to the millions of emergency room visits for slip and fall injuries every year. These head injuries can range from minor bruises to concussions and other traumatic brain injuries, or even skull fractures.
Symptoms of head injuries can include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or confusion. More severe impacts can lead to permanent disability or even death. Seek medical treatment right away if you experience these symptoms, even if you don’t think your head injury is that serious.
It is crucial to understand that the severity of a head injury is not always immediately apparent. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible if any symptoms arise, regardless of how insignificant they may initially seem.
Ignoring these signs can lead to severe complications, underscoring the importance of erring on the side of caution. Prioritizing prompt medical attention can make a significant difference in outcomes, potentially preventing long-term damage and ensuring swift and effective treatment. Stay vigilant and proactive about your health.
2. Back and Spinal Injuries
Some slip and fall accidents can impact the back at the wrong angle, and cause injury to the back or spinal cord. Back and spinal cord injuries are particularly serious and difficult to treat. Often, they result in significant pain and possibly even disability, significantly affecting an individual’s quality of life.
The spinal cord is a crucial component of the body’s nervous system, and damage to it can disrupt communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to paralysis or other debilitating conditions.
Treatment and rehabilitation can be lengthy and challenging, underscoring the importance of prevention and awareness. Being mindful of your surroundings and taking precautions to avoid falls is essential in safeguarding your spinal health and preserving your mobility and independence.
If the slip and fall that caused your back and spinal injury was a result of a premise owner’s negligence, an experienced slip and fall lawyer at Werner Hoffman Greig & Garcia can help you claim compensation.
3. Fractures and Broken Bones
The impacts involved in a slip and fall accident often lead to broken bones, particularly in older adults. Falls are the leading cause of broken hips and a major contributor to other types of fractures.
Broken bones can severely limit your mobility, drastically affecting your ability to function in day-to-day life and maintain your independence. Beyond the immediate physical limitations, broken bones often lead to lasting chronic pain, which can persist long after the initial injury has healed.
This ongoing discomfort can diminish the quality of life, making prevention and careful attention crucial. Employing strategies such as maintaining a safe environment, using assistive devices when necessary, and ensuring proper footwear can help reduce the risk of falls.
In the unfortunate event that you have sustained fractures and broken bones after an accident caused by the negligence of the property owner, a personal injury lawyer can help you claim the compensation you deserve.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries
In a slip-and-fall accident, the natural reaction is to reach out and try to stop your fall. This can protect your face and head, but leave you vulnerable to soft tissue injuries. These types of injuries can include torn ligaments, torn muscles, and contusions.
Soft tissue injuries are often accompanied by significant pain and restricted movement. The aftermath of such injuries might lead to lengthy recovery times and impact your ability to conduct daily activities.
Here, the expertise of a slip and fall attorney becomes invaluable. They can help with the process of filing a claim, ensuring that you receive adequate compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related damages.
5. Cuts and Lacerations
Falling onto sharp objects or rough surfaces can cause cuts and lacerations in the skin. These can be painful and cause dangerous blood loss, increasing the risk of infection if not treated properly.
Furthermore, cuts and lacerations may leave lasting scars that affect one’s physical appearance and emotional well-being. In severe cases, these injuries can impede daily activities and require extensive medical treatment, including stitches or even surgery.
If you find yourself in such an instance, a personal injury lawyer can be instrumental. They provide the expertise needed to navigate the legal process, helping you pursue claims for compensation.
This includes covering medical expenses, lost wages, and addressing long-term impacts such as scarring or emotional distress. A skilled attorney will advocate on your behalf, ensuring that you receive fair compensation while holding accountable those responsible for the conditions leading to your injury.
Factors Contributing to Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall injuries are often simple accidents. Just as many, however, are caused by hazardous conditions like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting.
These conditions may be due to a lack of proper maintenance or care taken by the owners or managers of the property. You may be eligible for compensation if your injury was caused due to someone else’s negligence, which makes them liable for your damages.
You and your slip and fall injury attorney can establish negligence in a personal injury claim if:
- The property owner or manager had a duty to keep their property safe
- They breached that duty by creating or failing to fix a hazard
- That hazard caused your slip and fall accident
- You suffered damages as a result of your slip and fall accident
Contact WHG to Speak with a Top-Rated Slip and Fall Attorney About Your Claim
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, and you believe someone else’s negligence is to blame, don’t hesitate to reach out to the expert team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia.
We have experienced personal injury attorneys who can help you protect your rights and secure the level of slip-and-fall compensation you deserve. We will gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Contact Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia at (800) 320-HELP to get started with your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Injuries
What steps should I take immediately after a slip and fall accident to protect my rights?
You next steps after a slip and fall accident should include seeking medical attention for any injuries you’ve sustained. After that, gather evidence like photos or witness information, report the accident to the owner or manager of the property, and contact a slip and fall accident lawyer.
How can I prove liability in a slip and fall injury case?
To prove liability, you and your slip and fall injury attorney must show that the property owner had a duty to keep their property safe, that they breached that duty, that their actions caused your fall, and that you suffered damages as a result of that fall.
What types of compensation can I seek in a slip and fall injury lawsuit?
You can seek compensation for damages including medical bills, rehab costs, lost wages, emotional distress, or pain and suffering. Speak with a qualified slip and fall accident lawyer for an assessment of the damages you can seek in your case.
Is it necessary to hire a lawyer for a slip and fall injury claim?
Hiring a slip and fall injury attorney isn’t strictly necessary, but it dramatically improves your chances of a successful claim. A lawyer can help you gather and organize evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a lawsuit if necessary.
