Slip and fall accidents cause many injuries, and they may be of different severity, from a simple wound to a serious illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 8 million people visit the emergency room annually due to these accidents. Slip and fall legal cases have some of the most severe effects on the sufferer and his family in terms of impact as well as costs.
What are Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents are caused by slipping, tripping, or stumbling on to the ground. These accidents may occur at the workplace, restaurants, supermarkets, or even shopping malls. Some of the causes of slip and fall accidents may include wet or slippery floors, floor irregularities, obstacles on the floor, inadequate lighting, weather conditions, and maintenance negligence.
Common Injuries Caused By Slip and Fall Accidents
Some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
Wet or Slippery Floors:
This is usually due to breakfast and snack spills, leakage from the ceiling or a floor washed with water, and the remainder not being wiped off appropriately. If floors are not cleaned or dried soon after the calamity, they pose a threat to people who have to tread on them.
Uneven Surfaces:
Protruding floor features like a crack or any break on the floor make it easy for people to slip and fall. There are many areas where the ground is not even and can be located inside and outside, which is a big reason for slip and fall.
Cluttered Walkways:
Hazards include objects such as boxes, wires, or other articles that may end up on the floor, forming barriers that people risk falling over. This is one reason why it is always necessary to ensure that business premises and other properties/establishments are clean to avoid accidents.
Poor Lighting:
Their inability to see potential dangers, such as slippery or wet floors or uneven floors, would be a big setback. Slip-and-fall accidents can be reduced by ensuring that correct illumination is used at the workplace.
Weather Conditions:
Water substances such as rain, snow, or ice can make outside surfaces slippery and thereby cause slips and falls. It is essential that property owners keep ways clear of snow and use sand or some other material to melt ice.
Lack of Proper Maintenance:
There are ways to prevent slip and fall hazards through maintenance, such as conducting floor checks, fixing areas of concern, and maintaining surfaces to reduce the risk of a slip and fall. Neglecting a property can result in accidents, costing the building owner a lot of money in lawsuits.
Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can produce different injuries, from simple injuries, such as bruises, to severe injuries, that can change the affected individual’s life. Common injuries include:
Sprains and Strains:
Sprains and strains are two of the most frequent and well-known types of injuries in slip-and-fall cases. These injuries arise when the ligaments or tendons around the joints, ankles, or knees strain or even rupture.
Broken Bones:
Falls always lead to breaking bones or an incidence of fracture or break. Such injuries may involve a simple fracture or a compound plus fracture that may necessitate surgery.
Head Injuries:
Slip and fall accidents may likely lead to head injuries such as a concussion or a traumatic brain injury. These injuries can lead to chronic health complications and will need considerable treatment.
Back and Spine Injuries:
As we know, spinal and back injuries may result from pressure applied to the spine after a fall or to some other part of the body. These types of injuries could be simple, such as stretching muscles or ligaments, or complex, such as a bulging disc or fracture.
Cuts and Bruises:
This may include minor lacerations on the hands from opening a tin or any sharp object or getting in touch with the floor when you have fallen. Although these injuries may not sound serious, they do cause some discomfort and may need the attention of a doctor.
What Measures Should Be Taken Right After a Slip and Fall
After a slip and fall accident, it’s essential to take immediate action to protect yourself and gather the necessary information:
Seek Medical Attention
If you have been a victim of slip and fall incidents, the first thing to do is see a doctor, whether the injury you sustained is major or minor. Hidden injuries can occur, and all injuries should be recorded with photographs and treated as soon as possible.
Report the Incident
Report the incident to the property owner or manager or any other person who may be held responsible for the damages. This will help create evidence that the accident happened in case one decides to take legal proceedings against the other party.
Document the Scene
It is also recommended that you capture photographs of the accident scene, including any spots that may be a threat or slippery. These visuals can be used as evidence in case you decide to sue.
Collect Witness Information
If there are other people who witnessed the accident, try to obtain their particulars. Witness statements can be useful in your case.
Avoid Making Statements
One of the most important things is that they should not assume liability at the accident scene and offer no apologies. Do not talk to anyone other than your doctor or lawyer about the event.
Things to Consider When Selecting Your Slip and Fall Lawyer
If you’re considering hiring a slip and fall attorney, here are some tips to help you choose the right one:
Look for experience
Select your attorney based on the fact that the attorney has experience in handling similar slip and fall cases. This can ensure you get the best legal representation and counseling as you proceed with your case.
Ask for referrals
Try to get suggestions from friends, relatives, or other people who have probably encountered a similar challenge. Recommendations can give valuable information about the quality of an attorney’s work.
Read reviews
It is also easier to read around on social media platforms and learn what people say about the lawyer. For example, you can compare the ratings and comments left by previous clients after conducting a search on sites such as Google, Yelp, or Avvo.
Schedule consultations
An attorney can be reached for an interview to be seen and valued with regard to his specialty and suitability in the case dealing process. Facing South Dakota legal concerns? Most attorneys provide free initial consultations, which allow you to ask questions about your case.
Ask about fees
Before you hire an attorney, you need to know how much they charge and how they will bill you. Find out the amount they charge for their services, whether they work on a contingency basis and their billing rate.
The Future of Slip and Fall Prevention
That said, one can safely assume that new and unique ways will be developed to reduce the number of slip and fall accident cases with the development of technologies. These may include:
Smart flooring
Smart floor systems can also consist of sensors and other connected devices that can detect and react to different conditions. These systems can control lighting, temperature, and every other factor to make the environment safer.
Robotics
Some chores, such as cleaning and maintenance, can be assisted by Robotic technology, thus cutting down the chances of slip-and-fall incidents due to Tripping hazards. By adopting cleaning robots, the environment is checked and cleaned without gaps, helping to stop the formation of dangers on the surfaces.
Artificial intelligence
A machine learning application can scan data collected from sensors, cameras, weather, etc., and discover predictors of slips and falls. It can then facilitate the placement of preventive measures to curb accident chances before they happen.
Conclusion
In this particular case, getting back on your feet after a slip-and-fall accident is difficult and mentally draining. Learning about the reasons for such accidents, what to do in the aftermath of an accident, and why it is crucial to seek medical attention, avoid working for some time after the accident, and take proper care of oneself will help if an accident happens.
