A common fall or stumble becomes an immediate life-changer. Millions of Americans go for emergency treatment annually from slip and fall accidents, ranging from minor to severe injuries that demand extensive medical treatments.
You will need an experienced personal injury lawyer like Vaughn Wamsley to help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation for your injury. He is a trusted Baltimore personal injury lawyer and runs a top Indiana law firm. The best thing about approaching their firm is you don’t have to pay him anything unless they win the case for you.
The Hidden Dangers of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents may sound like minor injuries but can sometimes lead to devastating consequences. You have all the rights to claim compensation if you injured yourself because of negligence from a 3rd party.
Most Common Injuries from Falls
- Broken Bones and Fractures – Slip and fall victims can get fractures of wrists, arms, and hips when they land awkwardly on the floor. Older adults with osteoporosis are more likely to fracture their bones during the falls.
- Head Injuries and Concussions – Head trauma from even a soft impact can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions. You may get symptoms of dizziness and confusion a little later, so it is better to have an urgent medical assessment.
- Spinal Cord and Back Injuries – A single fall can result in severe back problems that range from herniated discs to spinal cord damage. Patients may need prolonged medical care because such injuries can cause major mobility problems like partial paralysis.
- Soft Tissue Damage – People commonly suffer sprains, strains, and torn ligaments while attempting to stop their body from hitting the floor hard. Even though X-rays might not reveal these injury signs, they can lead to persistent pain and reduced mobility for a few weeks or months.
- Shoulder and Knee Damage – Our natural response to break falls can sometimes result in shoulder dislocation or knee damage, such as torn ACLs. Joint injuries that need surgical intervention follow several months of recovery periods.
Why Slip and Fall Accidents Happen
Many factors contribute to these incidents:
- Wet or uneven surfaces
- Poor lighting
- Loose carpeting or flooring
- Cluttered walkways
- Weather hazards like ice or snow.
Property owners are legally responsible for maintaining safe environments for people using their premises. These slip and fall accidents are more likely to happen when they neglect this duty.
Protecting Your Rights After a Fall
If you have been injured:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Document the scene with photos
- Report the incident to the property owner
- Keep records of all medical treatments
- Contact an experienced injury lawyer.
Insurance companies frequently oppose full payments on these claims, so hiring legal representation to protect your legal rights is critical.
Compensation for Slip and Fall Victims
Compensation approval possibilities may vary depending on individual circumstances:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Extent of pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Degradation of lifestyle.
When to Contact a Lawyer
You need to obtain legal help as soon as possible. You may be allowed to file your personal injury claim within three years after the accident, but the evidence may weaken if you delay it.
An attorney can:
- Investigate the accident
- Handle insurance negotiations
- Calculate your full damages
- Take your case to court if needed.
Choose a law firm that charges you only on the legal victory of your personal injury case. At least you won’t have to worry about paying your law firm upfront during the crisis.
