We’ve all seen those TV adverts telling you to file a claim if you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, but what does this actually mean? What is a slip and fall incident?
The term ‘slip and fall’ is a term used to describe a personal injury that a person sustains after slipping and falling over on another person’s property. There are several different types of injuries that you can sustain following a slip and fall accident, including broken bones, soft tissue injuries, nerve damage, and the psychological impacts of the traumatic event.
This article will cover each of the above types of injuries that slip and fall accidents can cause and how you would go about claiming for such accidents with the help of an expert Lamber Goodnow lawyer.
What Causes Slip and Fall Accidents?
The majority of indoor slip and fall accidents are caused by dangerous conditions, such as loose cables, torn carpets, uneven flooring, narrow or wonky stairs, and unsigned wet floors.
Slips and falls can also occur outdoors and may result from cracked sidewalk stones, narrow or uneven stairs, potholes on the roads, and poor weather conditions.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents can vary significantly based on the circumstances and surroundings, and the severity of your injuries will depend on your existing physical health and fitness. Below are the most common types of injuries that are caused by slips and falls.
- Broken bones – this is a particularly concerning risk for the elderly population or those with osteoporosis. Common bone fractures are in the hip, wrist, forearm, and ribs.
- Soft tissue injuries – it’s not just bones they are at risk when you have a slip and fall accident. Your muscles, tendons, and ligaments can get bruised, torn, swollen, and permanently damaged when you slip and fall.
- Knee injuries – from a muscle strain to a tendon tear to a broken patella, there are lots of different knee injuries that you can sustain after slipping and falling.
- Traumatic brain injuries – TBIs occur when you fall and hit your head on the ground. The delicate structures in your brain can get jolted when you hit your head, causing temporary or permanent damage.
Claiming for a Slip and Fall Accident
Claims for slip and fall accidents fall under the larger category of ‘premises liability’ claims. If the owner of the premise fails to maintain proper health and safety, they could be liable for any injuries and traumas that others sustain on their property.
If you have been injured after a slip and fall incident and you believe that it’s the owner’s fault, you could be in a position to claim against them. For this, you’ll need to hire an expert slip and fall lawyer who can work with you to create a strong case that wins in court.
If you win your case, you’ll be offered compensation based on the severity of your injuries and how much they have impacted your ability to work and earn money.
