Slip and fall injuries can lead to serious medical complications, resulting in costly medical bills. While it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and scared during the aftermath of a slip and fall injury, understanding premises liability laws can help equip you with the knowledge to determine if your incident was caused by someone else’s negligence.
What Is a Slip and Fall?
A slip and fall is a type of accident that can happen anywhere, at any time. It usually occurs when a person slips on a wet surface, or when they trip and fall over something. Slip and falls can cause serious injuries, including fractures, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
To reduce your risk of slipping and falling, you should take precautions, such as wearing nonslip shoes, using a cane or walker if you need one, and avoiding walking in icy or wet conditions. If you do slip and fall, try to stay calm and assess the situation. If you can get up safely, do so. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls
There are many potential causes of slip and falls, but some of the most common are: wet floors, cluttered walkways, icy sidewalks and stairs, and poorly lit areas. All these hazards can lead to serious injuries if someone falls:
- One of the most common causes of slip and falls is a wet floor. This can occur when someone spills liquid on the ground, when leaks occur in the building infrastructure, or when it rains or snows. When a floor is wet, it can be very slippery, and it can be difficult to maintain your balance. This can lead to a fall and serious injuries.
- Cluttered walkways can also lead to accidents. When there is too much clutter on the ground, it can be difficult to see obstacles in your path. This can cause you to trip and fall. Clutter can also create tripping hazards, especially if there are cords or wires lying on the ground.
- Icy sidewalks and stairs can be very dangerous, especially during the winter months. Icy surfaces can cause people to slip and fall, which can lead to serious injuries. To avoid these dangers, it is important to take precautions like using ice melt or sand on slippery surfaces.
- Poorly lit areas can also be dangerous for pedestrians. If an area is not well lit, it can be difficult to see obstacles in your path. This can cause you to trip and fall. It is important to use caution when walking in areas that are not well lit, and to carry a flashlight if necessary.
Common Injuries Associated with Slip and Falls
There are a variety of injuries that can occur because of a slip and fall. Some of the most common include:
- Head injuries: Often, the most serious injuries sustained in a slip and fall are head injuries. This is because the head is unprotected and can easily hit something hard on the ground. Head injuries can range from a mild concussion to more serious injuries such as skull fractures.
- Back injuries: A person's back is also at risk of injury in a slip and fall. Back injuries can be very painful and often require surgery to correct. They can also lead to long-term disability.
- Knee injuries: The knee is one of the most commonly injured body parts in a slip and fall. Knee injuries can be very painful and may require surgery to repair the damage. They can also cause long-term disability.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal term that refers to the responsibility of a property owner or occupier to ensure that individuals who are invited onto the property are not injured. The owner or occupier is typically held liable if someone is injured on their property because of a hazardous condition that should have been repaired or otherwise addressed. Premises liability cases can be complex, and it is often necessary to consult with an attorney to determine whether you have a claim.
Should I File a Premises Liability Lawsuit if I Suffer a Slip and Fall Injury on Someone Else’s Property?
A premises liability lawsuit can protect individuals who have suffered slip and fall injuries. Premises liability laws hold property owners responsible for ensuring that their property is safe for visitors, and that any hazards or dangers are properly addressed. If an individual slips and falls on a property due to unsafe conditions, the property owner may be held liable for the damages suffered because of the fall.
This can be extremely helpful for individuals who have suffered a serious injury because of a slip and fall. Premises liability lawsuits can help injury victims recover the costs of their medical bills, as well as any lost wages they may have incurred because of their injury. Additionally, a premises liability lawsuit can help to ensure that the individual does not have to bear the burden of these costs alone and can help to ensure that the property owner is held responsible for their actions.
Speak with Our Experienced Premises Liability Attorneys About Your Situation for Free Today
DeLorenzo, Grasso & Dalmata LLP has been there for slip and fall injury victims and their families in Schenectady and its surrounding communities for over 70 years. As our case results prove, we have a long history of helping injured individuals and their loved ones hold those responsible for their accidents and injuries accountable. This includes recovering the compensation they need for current and future medical costs, loss of income (if their injuries prevent them from working), pain and suffering, rehabilitation expenses, and more.
Call us at (518) 299-0314 or contact us online today for a free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced premises liability lawyers in Schenectady.