Most people go about their daily lives without worrying too much about their safety. Visiting a store or restaurant should not result in an injury. Unfortunately, accidents happen in these places on a regular basis. When a person falls it may often be due to the negligence of the store owner, shopkeeper, or landlord. Slip and fall accidents are the cause of many serious injuries.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
There are a number of conditions that may cause slip and fall accidents to occur. Some of these include:
● Uneven walkways
● Wet or slippery floors
● Bumpy Carpeting or Floor Mats
● Improper Lighting
● Something Blocking the Aisle
● Flooring or Stairs in Disrepair
● Inadequate Handrails
According to the CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 800,000 people visit U.S. hospitals each year due to injuries caused by falls. A new statistic reveals that an older person visits the emergency room every 12 seconds due to injuries from falls. Many of these injuries are serious.
Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can cause a number of different injuries. Minor injuries may include bruises, scrapes, and sprained ankles. More serious injuries are fractures, broken bones and head trauma. Older individuals are more likely to suffer serious injuries due to falling. This is likely because their bones are thinner and more fragile. Broken bones and other injuries may require surgery and a lengthy recovery time.
Negligence in Slip and Fall Accidents
Business owners and proprietors are required to provide a safe area for both the public and employees. When they fail to do so they could be found liable for any injuries that occur as a result. Negligence is considered any action, or failure to act, which is known to cause a potentially dangerous situation. For example, carpeting that is improperly installed or is folded could present a tripping danger for those walking on it. People have an expectation that the floor is safe to walk on, and if they are injured the owner could be found liable. Any time an injury occurs because of neglect the damages may be recoverable. Every situation is different so it is best to have your case reviewed by a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible after it happens.
Legal Action for Slip and Fall Accidents
Most slip and fall accidents could have been prevented if the responsible party had taken the necessary care to resolve the problem. When someone is seriously hurt by a fall that was due to negligence they may be entitled to compensation. Medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and money for pain and suffering are all damages that may be incurred because of the negligence of another. If you or a relative were the victim of a slip and fall accident, call the experienced personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Patrick G. Shea to schedule a consultation.
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