If you or a loved one slip and fall by accident while on someone else’s property, the property owner may be liable for your injuries. Although property owners are responsible for making sure their property is safe for visitors, slip and fall accidents still occur due to property owner’s negligence. Failure to warn visitors or patrons about a known, unsafe condition makes the property owner liable for any serious injuries that result from these hazardous conditions.
A few common unsafe conditions resulting in slip and fall accidents are:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Uneven or cracked sidewalks or pavement
- Missing handrails
- Torn or loose floor coverings
- Inadequate lighting
Common injuries sustained in slip and fall accidents may include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Hip fractures
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
The amount of compensation a victim may receive from a slip and fall accident depends on the extent of their losses, their ability to prove those losses, and the ability of the at-fault party to pay for the losses either personally or through an insurance policy.
There are two types of compensation available for a slip and fall accident: economic losses and non-economic losses.
Economic losses are damages that are readily calculable and have assigned dollar amounts. Economic damages for a slip and fall accident may include:
- Medical expenses, including both current and projected medical expenses
- Lost wages for time missed from work
- Loss of future earning potential for inability to return to work or failure to return to the same type of work or work hours
- Physical therapy
- Household expenses
- Property damage
Non-economic damages are intangible items without relatable costs. Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional trauma
- Loss of the enjoyment of life
While no one wants to be the victim of an accident, there are steps you can take after a slip and fall accident to help secure your legal right to compensation. These steps include:
- Contact the police right away and, if necessary, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- If the injury occurred on public property or private property owned by a business, write down the name and address of the business.
- Write down essential details surrounding the accident, such as the accident time, weather conditions, and any property hazards.
- Take photographs of the accident scene.
- Take witness information including full names, addresses, and phone numbers for follow-up investigation.
- Schedule and keep any follow-up appointments with your medical provider.
- Contact an experienced slip and fall accident attorney before making any statements or signing any documents.
Slip and fall accidents happen quickly, and some injuries take time to appear. Therefore, always seek medical care and attend any follow-up appointments. Most likely, an insurance company will contact you immediately. Do not speak with them until you have contacted your own attorney. Lawyers have the experience and expertise to evaluate your claim and determine if compensation is available to cover your damages. They will fight to recover the maximum compensation available. Don’t hesitate to contact an experienced slip and fall lawyer today.
