A slip-and-fall accident or trip-and-fall accident may not seem like a major personal injury event, but it has the potential to leave you facing devastating injuries and other consequences that can affect multiple areas of your life. What may seem like a minor fall could result in expensive medical bills and physical limitations that you may not be able to address on your own.
You may assume that your accident was your fault, at least partially the result of your own clumsiness. However, you could be the victim of factors beyond your control, such as negligent maintenance or dangerous property conditions. Property owners and managers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their visitors and guests, such as by removing hazards, cleaning up spills and taking other steps to reduce the chance of an accident.
Tips for reducing falls
Slips, trips and falls can happen anywhere, whether you are at work, walking down the sidewalk or shopping in a store. The injuries you could suffer from this type of accident could range from minor bruising and soreness to broken bones or a spinal cord injury. In many cases, these types of events are preventable with caution and proper maintenance. Tips for preventing different types of falls include:
- Keep premises clean and free from debris at all times.
- Wipe up spills as soon as possible or mark areas that could be wet and slippery.
- Ensure there is proper lighting in areas where people could be walking.
- Do not create hazards with wires, equipment and other items that could be in the way.
Regardless of where your accident took place, you have the right to know and understand what’s next. Victims of slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents may have legal options. Through the appropriate course of action, it may be possible to hold the responsible party accountable for the actions or circumstances that resulted in your accident.
The recovery available to you
After suffering injuries in a fall, you may have grounds to pursue compensation through a premises liability claim. The civil justice system provides you the opportunity to seek recourse and recovery of your losses, including both your economic and non-economic losses. An assessment of your situation, including the injuries you suffered and their financial impact, can help you understand the specific legal options available to you.