What is a slip and fall?
A slip and fall is a common type of personal injury case that occurs when a person slips, trips, or falls on someone else’s property due to someone else’s negligence. When a slip and fall happens, a slip and fall accident lawyer may be hired to represent the injured party. The lawyer will work with their client to prove negligence and recover compensation for their injuries.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls:
- Wet or slippery surfaces: Spills, rainwater, or cleaning solutions that are not properly dried can cause wet and slippery surfaces that contribute to accidents. For example, this can happen anywhere from grocery stores to office buildings.
- Uneven flooring: Worn out carpeting, concrete that has become uneven over time, or tree roots pushing up against sidewalks can all cause slip and falls.
- Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see obstacles and dangers in your path, which increases the risk of slip and falls. Generally, this tends to happen in hallways and stairwells where lighting may not be as bright as other areas.
- Cluttered walkways: Cluttered walkways can increase the risk of tripping and falling. For example, boxes left lying around, cords running across the floor, or even debris on a sidewalk.
Common Injuries from Slip and Falls:
- Head and brain injuries: Severe injuries to the head and brain, including concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and skull fractures can result in long-term disabilities or even death.
- Broken bones and fractures: Falling on a hard surface can cause fractures in different parts of the body, including arms, legs, hips, and spine.
- Soft tissue injuries: Falls can cause soft tissue damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, or nerves. These injuries may not be visible but can cause chronic pain and discomfort.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries require immediate medical attention as they could be life-threatening.
If you are suffering from an injury, then it’s important to contact an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer.
Where are slip and falls likely to occur?
- Grocery Stores: From fresh produce spills to wet floors from cleaning, grocery stores can be a major slip and fall injury location.
- Restaurants: Greasy floors in the kitchen and food debris and spills in the dining area can make restaurants susceptible to slip and fall accidents.
- Parking Lots: Parking lots that are poorly maintained, have uneven surfaces, or do not have adequate lighting, can cause accidents. Potholes, cracks in pavement, and debris can all lead to serious injuries.
- Office Buildings: Offices can be hazardous if not properly maintained. Wet floors from spills, loose carpeting or rugs, or stacks of boxes and office materials can all pose significant slip and fall risks.
- Retail Stores: Retail stores may have stacks of merchandise blocking walkways and cluttered aisles may make it difficult to browse the store safely.
- Public sidewalks: Broken or uneven pavement, icy conditions, and obstacles on sidewalks can all cause slip and fall accidents.
- Hotels: Spilled drinks or wet pool areas are a few examples of dangerous conditions that may exist at hotels.
- Construction sites: Construction workers face numerous hazards including uneven surfaces, debris underfoot, and tools scattered around construction sites.
Who may be liable for a slip and fall incident?
Typically, property owners are liable for slip and fall accidents that occur on their property. It is the property owners duty to maintain a safe environment and take the necessary steps to prevent accidents. If they fail to do so and an accident occurs on their property, they may be liable. However, in some instances, other parties may also be liable for the accident.
Examples of other parties who may be liable for a slip and fall accident:
- Business Owners: Business owners have similar responsibilities as property owners, but they also have a duty to warn customers of any known dangers that may not be immediately apparent. For example, if the floor is slippery due to cleaning, it must be marked with a sign or cones until the area is dried.
- Maintenance companies: If a maintenance company is hired to maintain the property and their negligence causes an accident, then they could be liable for any injuries.
- Contractors: If a property owner hires a contractor to perform work on their property, and the contractors cause a hazardous condition, such as loose debris, unsafe scaffolding, or unsecured equipment, then the contractors could be liable for any accident that occurs as a result of their negligence.
- Government entities: Slip and fall accidents that occur in public places, such as public sidewalks or parks, may be the responsibility of the state or local government entity responsible for maintaining those areas.
- Employees: In some cases, employees of a business may be liable if their actions or negligence contributed to the accident.
How can a personal injury lawyer help me?
Speaking with an experienced attorney can help you get a better idea of whether or not you have a case. Furthermore, personal injury attorneys understand the importance of gathering evidence to build a strong case and have experience in calculating damages. They will work with you to determine what your case is worth and explain to you the legal process for filing a lawsuit. A lawyer can also help you negotiate with insurance companies. Finally, if a settlement can not be reached, they will represent you in court. With an attorney fighting for you, you have a better chance at receiving fair compensation for your injuries.
Why choose Winocour Law?
Winocour Law is a small Dallas law firm with extensive knowledge and experience in bodily injury and wrongful death cases. At Winocour Law, we take the time to fully explore and explain all of the legal options available to you.
As a small law firm, we are able to give personalized attention to every case. Therefore, you will have direct contact with your attorney throughout your case. We care about your case and will fight to get you fair compensation for your injuries.