Slip and Fall
Personal injury law covers a wide variety of accidents that are caused by the negligent acts of another person or entity. One of the most common causes of lawsuit filings in the United States today are slip and fall incidents. The following explains how these falls occur and what elements must exist in order to have a successful outcome in a personal injury case.
Causes Of Falls
Slip and fall accidents can happen in a variety of ways, but the most common causes are:
- Worn Carpeting
- Loose Boards On Stairs Or Porch Steps
- Dim Lighting
- Poorly Placed Extension Cords
- Unmarked Water Spills
- Icy Sidewalks
- Unrepaired Parking Lot Potholes
Falls most often occur in stores, in parking lots and on sidewalks. However, homeowners can be held liable for slip and fall incidents that happen at their home or on their property if they failed to repair a hazard before someone was hurt.
Common Accident Injuries
Injuries after falls can range from moderate to fatal. The severity of injuries sustained in this manner depends on the age of the victim and the force in which they fall. The most common cause of death or severe disability after a fall is traumatic brain injury, which occurs when the victim strikes his or her head with great force. Other injuries include:
- Fractures Of The Spine
- Paralysis
- Broken Bones Or Compound Fractures
- Facial Lacerations And Fractures
- Closed Head Injuries
Those who are hurt in a fall often require ongoing medical care for months or even years after the date of their accident. Victims who sustain serious injuries will benefit from seeking legal advice to learn what options they have under the laws of their state.
Proving Liability
Not all accidents qualify as a personal injury case. The element that must exist in order to be successful in a personal injury lawsuit is negligence. The plaintiff must prove the property owner did not take reasonable steps to prevent the accident and that is why the accident occurred. Business owners can be held responsible for the actions of their employees if a customer is injured on their property. Your lawyer may locate eyewitnesses to the accident so they can testify on your behalf or speak with medical experts to help prove the extent of your injuries.
Damages In Slip and Fall Claims
Damages can vary from state-to-state, but they often include:
- Lost Income
- Unpaid Medical Bills
- Cost Of Hospital Or Long Term Care
- Mental Anguish
- Pain And Suffering
- Therapy Costs
- Home Health Fees
Calculating the cost of lost wages and medical bills is not an easy job, but it is an important one and should be done by a lawyer with experience in personal injury cases.
Contact Our Slip and Fall Injury Attorney
Being hurt in a slip and fall accident is a trying and difficult time but there is help available for accident victims. Contact James (Jamie) W. Sutton, Attorney-at-Law, today to learn how you may obtain a fair settlement for slip and fall injuries and lost wages. Having a lawyer on your side is a good way to improve your chances inside the courtroom. It can also ease the anxiety that is a part of every serious slip and fall case. Our law firm offers free consultations and serves clients throughout Feasterville, Bensalem, Levittown and beyond.
