Thankfully, many slip and fall accidents do not cause injury. But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one of every five falls does cause a serious injury, such as a broken bone or head injury. Falls are also the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Across the nation, slip and fall accidents cause nearly 700 fatalities per year, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA).
Falls can happen for many reasons, including:
Slips
Slips typically happen when your foot loses traction. You can slip in a variety of ways, including on wet or dirty surfaces, ice, or snow.
Trips
Trips occur when you lose your balance due to hitting an object or obstacle with your foot.
Not every fall is a personal injury case. In order to have a case, your injury must have happened on someone else’s property and a dangerous or hazardous condition must have existed. For example, a dangerous condition can be uneven flooring, torn carpeting, a poorly lit staircase, or missing handrails. You may also have a case if the property owner did not promptly clean up spills or weather-related dangerous conditions, such as snow and ice.
If you can prove the property owner was careless in maintaining the property—and that your accident happened as a result of a dangerous condition that was a property owner’s duty to remedy—you could have a personal injury case and might be able to hold the property owner responsible for your injuries.
A Dallas slip and fall injury lawyer can help explain your options. To learn more, call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (855) 933-4005 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Reasons for Slips and Falls
Slips and falls can occur in a variety of circumstances, for example at the grocery store, in a mall, or at an apartment complex. Falls can simply happen through inattention, carelessness, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. However, in a personal injury slip and fall case, the accident is typically caused by an unsafe condition, such as:
- Debris or liquids on the floor
- Uneven surfaces and flooring
- Poor lighting
- Missing handrails
- Tripping hazards such as objects or cables on the floor
- Slippery floors due to rain, ice, or snow
Sometimes, it can be challenging to determine whether your slip and fall was due to a property owner’s negligence. You will have to prove that the owner of the property knew about the dangerous condition, such as a crack in the flooring, and that it presented an unreasonable risk to you. You will also most likely have to prove that the property owner did nothing to remedy the dangerous condition and failed to warn you of it.
For example, if you slipped and fell due to a wet floor, and the property owner placed a sign warning you of the wet floor, they may not be responsible for your injuries. The best way to determine if you have a case is to consult with a Dallas slip and fall injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
For a free legal consultation with a slip and fall injury lawyer serving Dallas, call (855) 933-4005
Slip and Fall Injuries
A slip and fall can cause multiple injuries, ranging from minor to severe and even fatal. Some common injuries in slips and falls include:
Head and Brain Injuries
A slip and fall can cause various head injuries, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A TBI can be a profoundly serious condition, changing a sufferer’s life forever. Unfortunately, even serious brain injuries may not show symptoms until many days after a slip and fall accident. It is important to visit a doctor as soon as you can after you hurt your head in a fall.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur when the spinal cord is compressed or severed in a fall. These injuries can be severe and may cause permanent paralysis. Spinal cord injuries may also need extensive, costly, and ongoing treatment.
Bone Fractures
Broken bones from a fall can severely impact a victim’s life, especially if a major bone in the body is involved, such as the pelvic bone. Cedars-Sinai confirms that a pelvic fracture can be life-threatening and damage internal organs. However, even minor fractures can cause pain and may need physical therapy or expensive surgeries.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries involve muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When you fall, you can suffer from sprains, strains, and contusions of soft tissues. While these injuries are not always visible, they can be extremely painful and may stop you from carrying out your normal daily activities. They can also take a long time to heal fully.
If you suffered any injuries in a slip and fall accident that is determined to be the property owner’s fault, you could receive a settlement for any expenses and suffering associated with the fall. A Dallas slip and fall injury lawyer can advise you on your legal options and the best next steps. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today to learn more.
Dallas Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer Near Me (855) 933-4005
Compensation Available in Slip and Fall Accidents
If someone else’s negligence is responsible for your injuries, you could receive compensation that includes:
- Medical expenses, including future medical bills related to the accident
- Lost income and future lost income
- Help with household duties
- Medical devices
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of quality of life
You could also receive other types of compensation, depending on the injuries you suffered in your slip and fall accident.
We Can Fight for You
If you suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident that was a property owner’s fault, you should not have to pay for your medical costs and other expenses. We can help you with all aspects of a personal injury slip and fall case, including gathering the necessary evidence to prove your case. We can also help to negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault property owner and any insurance companies.
Depending on your individual case, proving fault in a slip and fall case can be complicated. However, we do not shy away from tough cases and will fight for your rights and compensation. We work on a “no win, no fee” basis so there is no financial risk for you.
Do not struggle with your slip and fall case on your own. Instead, contact a Dallas slip and fall injury lawyer for a free, no-obligation consultation. To learn more, call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (855) 933-4005 to speak with a member of our team.
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