3 Examples of Hazards that Can Cause Serious Slip and Falls

Slip and fall accidents are quite common and injure millions of people each year. These accidents occur regularly and can happen in virtually any setting, often through fault of the victim.

Fortunately, if you have been injured in a slip and fall accident that occurred on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation. Your recovery can include compensation for sizeable medical expenses and costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life, among other losses. In order to do so, however, you will need to be able to show that your accident was caused by a hazard that was the result of someone else’s negligence.

Some hazards that cause serious injuries include:

Improper Training

Workplace slip and fall accidents are quite prevalent. Many times, the cause of the accident can be attributed to improper training. Employees in high-risk industries should undergo extensive training prior to using and properly maintaining necessary equipment. Most importantly, employees should receive sufficient training to stay safe while at work.

Weather

We cannot control the weather. Unfortunately, weather can result in dangerous conditions. Although most hazard-causing weather  conditions occur during the winter months, individuals may remain at risk of slip and fall injuries throughout the year. Property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure that traffic areas are clear and free of hazards. Failing to use reasonable result in liability as well as substantial compensation for victims.

Wet or Uneven Surfaces

Slip and fall accidents are most often the result of a wet or uneven surface. In fact, wet or uneven surfaces cause approximately 55% of slip and fall accidents in the United States. Wet or uneven surfaces can even make walking hazardous. The following are examples of situations which are in particularly hazardous:

• Recently waxed or mopped floors
• Puddles
• Loose floorboards or mats
• Defective sidewalks
• Cluttered floors
• Parking lot potholes
• Torn carpeting

Walkways should remain dry, uncluttered, and safe. Property owners should engage in regular housekeeping in an effort to keep walking surfaces both as safe and as clear as possible. Corrections should be made upon discovering hazards.

CALL AN ORLANDO PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY TODAY

You may be entitled to compensation for injuries you suffer during a slip and fall accident. The skilled attorneys at the Thomas Nicholl Law Firm can review your case and both develop and implement an effective legal strategy to maximize your recovery of damages. Schedule your consultation today by calling 407-228-2131.

4 Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents send nearly nine million people to the emergency room each year, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). In many slip and fall cases, individuals injure themselves during a fall caused by a hazard. Although many slip and fall cases tend to occur on a business’ premises, many also occur while on private property.

Property owners may be held liable for a party’s injuries resulting from a slip and fall accident. An injured party may have a legal right to sue the property owner if both the slip and fall and the resulting injury occur as a result of the property owner’s negligence. In order to prevail in a slip and fall case, a victim must prove, in addition to negligence on behalf of the property owner, that the negligence would foreseeably create the danger.

Slip and fall accidents can cause injuries to all areas of the victim’s body. In more serious slip and fall cases, the injuries that victims sustain require emergency medical attention and could even lead to long-term disabilities. As a result, it is extremely important for slip and fall victims to protect their rights by retaining an attorney as soon as possible after their accident has occurred.

Some examples of common injuries caused by slip and fall include:

Spinal Injuries

Injuries to the spine, even minor injuries, can be painful and debilitating. Severe spinal injuries can result in serious injuries including partial or full paralysis. Even minor injuries may have lasting limb weakness as well as a loss of sensation.

Hip Injuries

Hip injuries are problematic. Serious hip injuries can require surgery or  replacement. Some injuries can cause victims to lose sensation in their extremities. The elderly are particularly susceptible to serious hip injuries as a result of their age, and this can also lead to financial complications.

Brain Injuries

The impact from a slip and fall accident can result in brain injuries. A blow to the head can cause a serious brain injury such as traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI can negatively impact a victim’s cognitive abilities and motor skills, and cause lasting complications for victims.

Breaks and Sprains

Some slip and fall injuries are less serious and can cause victims a minor but temporary inconvenience. Broken bones and sprains often heal with time, but they may also cause discomfort throughout recovery.

CALL AN ORLANDO PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY TODAY

You may be entitled to compensation for injuries you suffer during a slip and fall accident. The skilled attorneys at the Thomas Nicholl Law Firm can review your case and both develop and implement an effective legal strategy to maximize your recovery of damages. Schedule your consultation today by calling 407-228-2131.