Largo Slip And Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can occur almost anywhere, and can be devastating. They can result in serious injury, and a lifetime of disability and rehabilitation. After your accident, you may be stressed about filing a lawsuit, talking to insurance companies, or appearing in court, however, an experienced attorney can help make sure the process of your lawsuit is a smooth one. Our talented attorneys here at Jones Law Group will take the stress off of your shoulders so you can focus on relaxing and recovering from your injuries.
Slip and Fall Statistics
According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), falls account for eight million emergency room visits each year. That’s 21.3% of all hospital visits, making falls the leading reason people visit the emergency room. They also state that the chance of falling and getting seriously injured goes up with each decade of life, meaning that elderly people are much more at risk for fatal injuries because of slip and fall accidents.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), from 2016 to 2017, fall death rates in the United States increased by 30% for older adults. In fact, 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually falling sideways. These injuries are incredibly common with elderly people and older adults. Falls are also stated to be the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), an injury that can leave someone with lasting issues.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and falls can be caused by a variety of different reasons, but the main ones include wet or uneven surfaces, improper training, nursing home neglect, parking lot hazards, ladders and stairs, environmental conditions, and dangerous occupations.
Uneven surfaces can occur because of damage to the floor or floorboards, causing a tripping hazard. Wet floors may be because of a spill that hasn’t been cleaned up, or recently waxed floors. Improper training may cause slips and falls, especially in dangerous work environments where employees are required to be extremely safe.
Workplace falls often occur because of environmental issues, like the inability to keep a space clean. This could include a messy floor, cabinets or desk drawers being left open, or improperly kept cords.
Nursing home neglect, like the failure to install safety railing or provide senior citizens with walkers to help them walk safely can also result in falls. Messes and spills must be cleaned up faster in nursing homes, to avoid anyone being injured.
Parking lot hazards like broken asphalt, poor lighting, lack of sidewalks, potholes, large puddles, unpainted car stops, and more, can cause slip and fall accidents. A parking lot that isn’t well-maintained is an accident waiting to happen.
Where do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur?
Slip and fall accident can occur anywhere, but the most common places include:
- Supermarkets
- Restaurants
- Small Businesses
- Parking Lots
- Workplaces (Construction, Restaurants, Factories)
- Nursing Homes
- Apartment Complexes
- Your Friend’s House
Duty of Care in Slip and Fall Accidents
Duty of care refers to the duty that people have to make a reasonable effort to keep each other safe. This duty applies to slip and fall accidents as well, and can be applicable to different people. For example, a business owner has the duty to make sure that their store is clean, their parking lot is free of hazards, and that any spills are cleaned up immediately. A breach of this duty is called negligence when it results in an accident.
In other cases, such as workplace slip and falls, the employer is the one with the duty to reasonably protect their workers from harm. This means making sure the workplace is uncluttered, and making sure that everyone is properly trained.
If you live in an apartment complex or rental property, your landlord also owes you this duty. This means letting you know of any hazards before you move in, fixing any maintenance issues within a reasonable time frame, and keeping all common areas (like hallways, staircases, and paths) safe and clean.
Even if you were to fall in a friend’s home, this duty of care still applies. Your friend, the owner of the home, has the responsibility to tell you of any potential dangers in their home. For example, if you were to trip over a broken porch step, they could be negligent for not forewarning you about the hazard.
Receive Compensation for your Damages
When you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may have high medical bills (especially if you’ve suffered from a serious injury such as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury) as well as lost wages that are making you stressed. Our experienced attorneys can help you receive the compensation that you deserve so that you don’t have to worry about money anymore.
You can claim both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic damages cover non-monetary losses like pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of earning capacity, and any compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement.
Contact a Slip and Fall Attorney
If you or someone you love has been injured in a slip and fall accident, and you’re located in the Largo, Florida area, please contact one of our talented attorneys. We have years of experience working on slip and fall cases, and we can walk you through the process of your personal injury case. For more information or a free case evaluation, please contact us online or by calling us at 727-571-1333.
