What you need to know about Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall liability is defined as a failure of the owner or operator of a property – the building and the land on which it sits – to protect visitors against injury due to negligently maintained premises and dangerous conditions on property. Visitors can be anyone including apartment tenants and guests, customers or vendors. Municipalities are subject to the law as well, which covers all public sidewalks, parks, parking facilities and government-owned buildings.
How to act before calling a Slip, Trip and Fall Accident Lawyer
1. Record details of your injury – Write down everything you can observe about the conditions of the premises at the time of your accident. Take measurements and check functioning mechanisms such as stair steps and other features related to the injury.
2. Photograph the premises – Include your approach to the exact accident or injury site, to indicate blind spots or hazards (if any).
3. Save clothing worn at the time – Shoes in particular, but all items of clothing may bear evidence (e.g., traces of an oil slick left on your shoes). Shoe traction may also be a consideration in a court of law.
The following scenarios are subject to premises liability litigation:
Cracked sidewalks
Broken steps
Merchandise littered store aisles
Unmarked changes in elevation
Poorly lit passageways
Slippery surfaces due to leaks, spills or worn surfaces
Tree roots above ground in walking areas
Uneven floor surfaces
Injuries from a Slip and Fall
When you think about a slip and fall accident, your first thought may be of broken bones. While fractures and broken bones are one of the serious and more common results of a slip and fall, they aren’t the only thing to be concerned about. You can also suffer a sprain or strain, bruising, and lacerations, depending on the surface and any obstacles you fell on or against.
Slip and fall accidents can cause more serious injuries, such as a concussion or traumatic brain injury if you hit your head on a hard floor or other object. You can hurt your back in a fall, whether you twist it as you fall or the impact causes damage. You might have a fracture or herniated disc. You could damage your spinal cord if the drop was far enough.
Depending on the severity of your injury, it can take from a few days to several months to recover from one of these incidents. You may need to rest and ice the injury before you return to your normal routine. Or you may require surgery, physical therapy, and long-term care to get back to the health you had prior to the accident.
When to Contact an Attorney
One of the common misconceptions for people who suffer an injury from a slip and fall is that they don’t need an attorney. They plan to wait and see if the insurance provider pays for their care. These victims assume they only need an attorney if the insurance company denies their claim. While this is true in a way, it’s important to hire an attorney as soon as possible. Don’t wait until your claim is denied.
If you wait for several months when you get your denial letter, it will be harder to go back and find the evidence you need to support your case. Information will be lost that would have been discovered within the first few days, making it more challenging for your attorneys to win your case.
Having an attorney from the start can make it easier to get your claim approved. Unscrupulous insurance companies take advantage of people who have suffered an injury in one of these situations because they think the person will accept whatever amount they’re offered. An attorney can tell you what a fair amount for your claim from the start is and negotiate a settlement that will cover your bills.
Schedule a Consultation Today
When you contact LA Injury Attorneys, we’ll help you decide if you have a case for your claim and what your next step should be. We’re here to support you every step of the way. We also work hard to ensure you get the settlement amount you deserve that covers the costs of your medical care and any lost wages. You can feel confident about working with a team of experienced attorneys.
Contact LA Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation to find out if you have a case for your slip and fall accident.
