If someone else’s negligence caused your slip and fall accident, you should not have to pay for your medical bills and other expenses. Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere at any time, including on public and private property.
If a property owner knew that a dangerous condition existed on their premises and failed to do something about it, you could potentially file a personal injury lawsuit and recover compensation for your damages and monetary losses. Types of compensation you could be entitled to can include, among others:
- Medical bills
- Income loss
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Pain and suffering
- Inconvenience
However, even though you might have a good case and the right to legal recourse, holding a negligent property owner accountable can be anything but easy. Your Brandon slip and fall accident lawyer can help prove your claim and build a case against the negligent party that caused your suffering and expenses.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine now for a complimentary consultation at 1-800-747-3733.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
While there can be numerous causes for falls, in order to have a claim, individuals will have to prove that a property owner or other responsible party acted negligently. Examples of negligence can include not warning visitors of any dangerous conditions or not removing and fixing any dangerous conditions in a timely manner. Causes of slip and fall accidents that could result in a personal injury lawsuit can include:
- Wet and slippery floors
- Recently waxed floors
- Loose floorboards and broken flooring
- Cluttered walkways
- Cracked and uneven sidewalks
- Missing or broken handrails
- Inadequate lighting in and around a property
- Broken or missing steps
There can be other causes for slip and fall accident claims. Property owners generally have to ensure adequate upkeep and safety of their premises. This ideally includes good housekeeping protocols, regular maintenance schedules, and addressing any issues in a timely fashion.
The Consequences of Falls
A harmless fall may lead to nothing more than some bruises and scrapes that heal quickly. However, some individuals who experience a serious fall remain permanently injured or even pass away from their injuries. Serious falls have the potential to cause devastating long-term injuries and disabilities, particularly in older adults. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that falls can be a substantial threat to the health of older adults, potentially reducing their ability to continue living independently.
Serious and potentially disabling injuries in fall accidents can include:
Head Injuries
A serious fall can cause significant head injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and others. A TBI can change an individual’s life dramatically. According to Mayo Clinic, TBIs can cause considerable damage to the brain and lead to debilitating symptoms such as seizures, memory loss, mood changes, and depression, among others. A severe TBI can be fatal.
Fractures Affecting Major Bones
Breaking one of the major bones in the body, such as the pelvic or hip bone, can have terrible consequences, especially for older adults who may never again achieve the degree of mobility they had before an accident. Fractures can also lead to a reduced enjoyment of life, particularly when individuals are unable to enjoy their usual activities or hobbies after a bad fall. A pelvic fracture may never fully heal again. Individuals who suffered major fractures in a fall will likely also require expensive surgeries and treatments.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can cause a variety of devastating and permanent issues such as:
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Paralysis
- Circulatory problems
- Respiratory problems
- Muscle wasting
- Depression and anxiety
Treatments for spinal cord injuries and associated conditions may require lifelong care and can potentially cause financial hardship for victims and their families.
Falls can cause a variety of other injuries such as contusions, dislocations, sprains, cuts, lacerations, and many others that could cause severe ongoing discomfort as well as high medical bills.
However, if a property owner’s negligence is responsible, they could potentially be held to account. Your Brandon slip and fall accident lawyer can assess your claim and advise you on your legal rights. Call us now at 1-800-747-3733.
Your Next Best Steps After a Slip and Fall Accident
Protecting your legal rights after a slip and fall accident can be crucial if you are hoping to recover compensation later on. Your first step should be to seek medical help immediately and make sure that you get a report listing all your fall-related injuries and conditions. This is not only important for your health and well-being but can also provide you with important evidence for a potential lawsuit.
After seeking medical help, you can consider the following steps:
- Take photographs or videos of the accident scene and your injuries
- Hire a slip and fall accident lawyer for legal protection and advice
- Collect the contact details of any eyewitnesses
- File an accident report
Having a dedicated slip and fall attorney in your corner working for your best interests can be advantageous. Your Brandon slip and fall accident lawyer will know how to handle your claim and what to look for. They can gather the necessary evidence proving your claim and interview any eyewitnesses to secure important evidence before it diminishes.
Contact Us Today and Start the Process of Collecting Compensation
If someone else’s negligence caused your fall, expenses, and pain, you should take action now to begin fighting for your due. We can potentially help you hold a negligent property owner to account and recover compensation.
Depending on the intricacies of your particular case, proving fault may be challenging and could require a considerable amount of evidence and perhaps even expert witnesses. However, a slip and fall lawyer can build your case and help you pursue justice and compensation. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine is here for you. Call us now for a free review of your case at 1-800-747-3733.