Most Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and falls are some of the most common types of accidental injuries in the United States. Most people ignore the dangers of such accidents and the damage they can cause, until such an event actually happens to them. These types of incidents can also be financially challenging and expensive. It is important to know that whether the accident occurs in a workplace, on private or public property, you may be entitled to compensation. Listed below are some of the common causes of slip and falls incidents and what to do after the accident.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere: at home, on a sidewalk or a parking lot, in a store, in the workplace and anywhere else in-between. How they happen may vary depending on the layout and conditions of a property or other circumstances. Most common causes of slip and falls are the result of:
- Raised or defective carpeting
- Sudden rises or dips in floor levels
- Wet floors or freshly waxed floors without proper warning signs
- Poorly maintained parking lots and sidewalks
- Unsafe or defective structures (terraces, balconies, decks, etc.)
- Poorly designed stair-steps
- Hidden extension cords
- Objects left on ground level
- Wet, oily, or snowy floors and surfaces
- Poor lighting conditions in stairways or walkways
- Broken or rotting floors
Types of Slip and Fall Injuries
Injuries resulting from a slip and fall can vary in type and severity. Some injuries that may result from such accidents include the following:
- Cuts, lacerations or Abrasions: Sometimes a cut may be superficial and may only require a band aid or a bandage, other times, it can be more serious and may need stitches or surgical staples.
- Broken Bones: Fractures can be open or closed (a closed fracture does not break through the skin) and will require either setting or surgical intervention. These injuries not only disrupt your ability to perform daily activities, they are generally expensive since they most likely will result in emergency medical treatment, diagnostic testing, surgery as well as follow up orthopedic and physical therapy visits.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can be life-threatening and may result in permanent paralysis or loss of strength and function. They will often require surgery, rehabilitation and assisting devices as well as medication to reduce pain and other symptoms. Their treatment is also quite expensive.
- Head Injuries: Head injuries can range from a minor bruise or bump to severe traumatic brain injury or even death. They can result in injury to the brain, skull or scalp, from a concussion, brain contusion, skull fracture or scalp wound. No matter the case, they are always considered a medical emergency.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
After a slip and fall accident, it is recommended that you follow these steps:
- First and foremost, seek medical attention. This will allow you to determine the extent of your injury as well as receive proper treatment for it.
- If possible, take photos of the area where you fell including any visible cause of the slip and fall, whether it be, spillage, obstruction or defect.
- If there were any witnesses to the incident, it would be a good idea to ask them for their contact details.
- Don’t forget to file an incident report with the appropriate individual or entity.
- Be sure to keep a written account of all the details related to your accident as soon as practicable while they are still fresh in your mind.
- Contact an experienced slip and fall lawyer as soon as you can after the incident.
Facing the aftermath of a serious slip and fall injury can be very challenging, particularly if you are recovering from severe physical impairment. Fortunately, the slip and fall attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC are here to help. We will guide you through the injury claim process and help you obtain the financial compensation you deserve. Contact us today to get started.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys located in Fairfax and licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland and in the District of Columbia
To learn more about how our experienced Slip and Fall Accident lawyers can help you, contact Hilton & Somer, LLC at (703) 560-0700. All cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we are successful in obtaining compensation for you.
References
https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/the-most-common-slip-and-fall-injuries
https://www.justia.com/injury/premises-liability/slip-and-fall-accidents/
