If you suffer injuries in a slip and fall, you may be tempted to blame yourself. Shouldn’t you have seen that unmopped spill or dropped grape in the produce aisle and moved around it? Were you simply hurt by your own clumsiness?
The answer is that a slip and fall is definitely a personal injury accident. Property owners everywhere are expected to keep their premises reasonably safe for those with a legitimate reason to be there. If they don’t, and you are injured as a result, they can be liable for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by the slip and fall accident.
What Can Cause a Slip and Fall Accident?
Slip and fall accidents can occur almost anywhere - at work, at a friend's house, at the mall, even at the grocery store. Common causes include:
- Wet and uneven surfaces
- Freshly waxed floors
- Loose mats and floorboards
- Bunched-up carpeting
- Cracked and uneven sidewalks
- Floor debris
- Poorly constructed staircases
Any of these factors can lead to a trip and fall or slip and fall accident. If you suffer serious injuries because a property owner failed in their duty of care to you, you can seek compensation for your damages in a slip and fall claim.
What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
If you slip and fall, your priority should be seeking medical treatment. Call an ambulance or, if you can walk, ask someone to take you to the nearest hospital emergency room. While you’re waiting for transportation, do the following:
- Alert the property owner or manager about the accident- if you fell in a commercial property, they will typically create an accident report, so ask for a copy.
- Document any evidence related to the fall. For example, take pictures or video of the unmopped spill, floor debris, etc. You’ll need these details when you go to file a slip and fall claim.
Once you’ve been treated, make sure you get copies of your medical invoices and other treatment-related costs so you can be compensated for them later.
What Compensation Can I Get After a Slip and Fall Accident?
When you suffer injuries in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident, you are entitled to seek compensation for any damages that result. This includes but may not be limited to:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning ability (if you can’t do the same work you did before)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Attorney fees
If the property owner was especially negligent, you may also be awarded punitive damages. Although they are intended to penalize the wrongdoer, these damages can significantly increase your award.
Get In Touch With a Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall accidents can result in life-altering injuries. When you’ve been hurt because a property owner was negligent, a personal injury lawyer can file a slip and fall claim to get the compensation you need to recover. To get started, seek a free case evaluation from an experienced lawyer today.
