Slip and fall accidents are one of the most misunderstood types of accidents. Many people view these accidents as just minor events that can happen when a business does not keep their floors dry after it rains. However, slip and fall accidents are often very serious events that are the result of different negligent actions by the property owner or manager.
Types Of Slip And Fall Accidents
There are many different types of slip and fall accidents. These accidents may occur in any way, but are most commonly associated with:
- Loose or missing floor tiles
- Loose or frayed carpeting
- Slippery steps
- Staircases that do not have appropriate railings
- Staircases that are poorly lit
- Walkways that have poor lighting
- Debris in indoor or outdoor walkways
- Potholes or uneven pavements
- Wet or icy flooring
- Improperly placed electrical cords
- Escalator accidents
Of course, there are other ways that a slip and fall accident can occur. It is important to speak with an attorney about your case to see how it falls under the premises liability laws of your state.
Types Of Slip And Fall Injuries
Every accident will be very unique. People are different and will react differently to different situations. The same applies to injuries. A fall that may have only bruised the leg of one person may result in the fracture of another person’s leg. Because of this, every slip and fall event must be addressed as an individual case.
Slip and fall accidents are commonly associated with the following types of injuries:
- Hip dislocations and fractures
- Knee dislocations and fractures
- Ankle / Foot dislocations and fractures
- Wrist fractures
- Shoulder dislocations and fractures
- Tailbone fractures
- Head injuries (blunt force traumas)
- Neck injuries
- Injuries to the fingers
Sprains, bruising, and strains are also very common secondary injuries that are seen in these types of accidents. These are not the only types of slip and fall injuries that can occur, only the more common.
When The Elderly Slip And Fall
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) slip and fall accidents account for almost 60 percent of the injuries people receive when they are over the age of 60. This includes all types of falling events, including those that are the responsibility of another person or entity.
When the elderly slip and fall it is a very serious issue. Senior citizens often have frailer bone structures and more medical conditions that can be impacted by the fall than those who are much younger. Many times, when an elderly person falls multiple injuries occur.
It is very important that when someone who is elderly falls, even if it seems like a simple trip and fall and they can get up on their own, they should have a medical examination. Fractures and other conditions may not hurt right away, especially if your adrenaline levels are running high, or if you have recently taken a pain reliever for arthritis. It is very important to have a doctor check you for sprains, fractures and potential head, neck or internal injuries.
When Children Slip And Fall
Parents and guardians of children who are involved in a slip and fall accident are encouraged to have their children medically examined, even if does not appear that the child is hurt. Children are resilient, but they often suffer injuries that their parents are not aware of until the issue is severe.
Fractures, sprains, and head and neck injuries may not be visible when a child falls. However, their growing bones and bodies are more prone to injuries. Concussions and neck injuries can be very serious in a child. And a broken or fractured bone that is not properly set can lead to bone growth problems.
When children slip and fall, head injuries are also very important to address. Children often cannot articulate problems they may be experiencing that are caused form a head or neck injury and then the problem goes untreated. Having your child checked over immediately can help prevent issues in the future.
What To Do When A Slip And Fall Happens
When you have been involved in a slip and fall accident, there are several steps that you should take to protect yourself and your rights to receive compensation. These steps are very similar to those that you would take in any type of accident.
- Report The Accident. You want to make sure that you report the accident at the time it occurred to the right people. If you are at a business, you will need to make sure that the property owner or the management of the business knows that the accident occurred. You will want to fill out an accident report with the business and request that any witnesses to the event place their contact information on the accident report so that can be contacted later if necessary.
- Take Pictures. If you can, take pictures immediately of the accident site and surrounding area. Take pictures of how you fell and any noticeable injuries. You will also want to take pictures of any surrounding signs or problems that may have led to a fall. If you cannot do this immediately, come back as soon as possible to try to photograph the site. It is easy to assume that after your accident the property owner is going to do what it takes to correct the problem. While fixing the problem is ultimately a good thing, it can also destroy vital information and evidence for your case.
- Seek Medical Care. You should have a medical exam as soon as possible after the event. Many times, people dismiss symptoms of a serious injury as part of the “excitement” related to the accident. A headache or upset stomach may not actually be from the chaos surrounding the accident but the signs of a head injury. Aches and pains may be a fracture or sprain that needs attention for proper healing. A medical exam can help you prevent serious side effects in the future.
- Speak With An Attorney. Protect your rights as an injury victim and seek legal information about your accident. Speaking with an attorney will help you seek the compensation you are entitled to under the guidelines of your state law.
Compensation For Your Slip And Fall Accident
If you have been injured, you may wonder what type of compensation for your slip and fall accident you are entitled to under the law. Most states have specific guidelines for compensation that may be claimed for a personal injury. However, the types of compensation are generally the same in each state and will include:
- Cost of your medical care both now and in the future concerning the injury
- Loss of income both present and in the future that is a result of the injury
- Loss of benefits, such as health insurance premiums or retirement contributions both now and in the future that are a result of the injury
- Economic losses that are the result of the injury from the purchase of services or the costs of goods associated with the injury
In some states you may be able to claim pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life based on the facts of the case. Your attorney will explain to you all of your rights and what types of compensation you can seek based on the laws of your state and the facts of your case. Contact us today to get started.
