Slip and fall accidents happen every day. Whether shopping at a store or walking on a sidewalk, dangerous falls can cause serious injuries. Sometimes a fall just happens for no apparent reason. But other times a fall is actually caused by something someone else did or failed to do. Safe conditions must be provided by building owners and others. The majority of accidents happen because of negligence; had proper care been taken the dangerous condition would not have been present and the accident would have been avoided.
What Causes Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents may be caused by one of a number of reasons. Wet floor surfaces are one of the most common reasons for falls to occur. Wetness may be due to a spill, a leak, or simply because of wet outdoor surfaces that are being walked on. Other problems include carpets or rugs that are slippery or bulged up creating a bumpy or slick surface. Boxes, items, racks, or other items placed in walk areas or paths account for some trips and falls. It is up to the store owner or proprietor to make sure that their facility is safe for the public.
Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
When a slip and fall accident occurs the injuries can range from minor sprains and bruises to major injuries such as broken bones and head trauma. Most minor injuries will heal without further attention. Major injuries require a doctor’s care. Broken bones may require surgery and could keep you from working. Back injuries may need ongoing treatment over an extended period of time. Some head injuries could be so serious that brain injury has occurred. If you fall while on another’s property it is best to seek immediate medical attention and report the injury to authorities. You should also make a police report to document the situation.
Negligence and Liability
Not all slip and falls are caused by dangerous situations, but many of them are. In order to seek damages for a slip and fall personal injury case you must be able to prove that the accident occurred because of someone’s negligence, and that the person is legally responsible, or liable, for ensuring the safety of the property. Negligence may be doing something that causes an unsafe condition or failing to take action to prevent an accident. For example, a property owner has placed boxes in the aisle while stocking shelves. A shopper trips and falls over the boxes and suffers an injury. The owner was negligent by creating an unsafe area. Another example is when there is a leak in the roof, causing water to puddle on the floor. If someone slips and falls on the water the owner was negligent because he knew about the problem but failed to take action to protect people from falling.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury after a fall that was not your fault, you may be owed money to cover your medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. Contact the Columbia personal injury attorneys at Connell Law Firm to talk to an experienced attorney today.