Although they are usually minor hassles, slip and falls can also be a source of serious injuries, especially in winter. In fact, permanent disabilities and even death can result from icy sidewalks, poorly maintained properties and other hazards.
Property owners and municipalities have the obligation to keep their premises safe both inside and out. Below, you’ll find out which slip and fall injuries you should look out for and when property owners and municipalities are liable.
Minor Slip and Fall Injuries
Most slip and falls result in minor injuries, but even if your injury seems like no big deal, it could have long-term consequences. Carpal tunnel syndrome and soft tissue injuries often have long recovery times. Back injuries and bone fractures can also result in chronic pain and other symptoms.
Torn tendons and ligaments in the feet, wrists or knees are also common and can take months of recovery time and often require surgery or physical therapy.
Even if your injury seems minor, it’s important to visit a medical professional right away as some problems won’t show up immediately and can even appear days or weeks after a slip or fall. By taking action sooner, you’ll get the treatment you need to prevent problems in the future.
Major Slip and Fall Injuries
It is not uncommon to sustain a major injury because of a slip or fall. In these cases, it is essential that you respond quickly to avoid long-term consequences.
Head injuries are extremely common and dangerous, as a blow to the head can result in life-changing brain injury including issues with thinking, behavior, memory and even mobility. Head injuries often require lengthy rehabilitation, so it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
Chronic pain, surgery and time off work are also often the result of back, neck, and spine injuries caused by slip and falls. It’s also important to know that elderly people are more likely to sustain serious injuries like a broken hip or pelvis during a slip or fall. All of these can require lengthy recovery times, serious operations like hip replacement surgery, and even nursing home stays.
Understanding Liability
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you probably want to know whether the property owner is liable for your injuries. If the accident occurred because of negligence on the part of the owner, then the answer is yes. But in order to be found negligent, the owner must have failed to warn visitors of potential dangers or failed to remedy these dangers in a timely manner. If an accident is partially your fault (i.e. if you were texting and failed to notice a hazard), you will be considered partially responsible for the accident.
Owners of stores, restaurants and other properties are required to keep these areas safe. If a floor is wet, has broken tiles, or is uneven, it is the owner’s responsibility to fix this problem in a timely manner. Dim lighting, construction hazards, and other dangers that were not properly labeled or taken care of can also make a property owner responsible for your injuries.
The exteriors of properties must also be kept safe. That means sidewalks must be cleared in winter and any hazardous areas remedied. If you are a tenant and are injured in your landlord’s building, your landlord may be liable.
Another thing to keep in mind is that municipalities and governments can be held liable if they fail to keep properties, public transportation, sidewalks, airports, buildings and roads fully maintained.
Steps to Take After a Slip or Fall
Immediately after your slip or fall, there are several things you should do if you are able to. First, take pictures of the accident site as well as your injuries. Take notes that document the weather conditions and gather witness statements and contact information if possible.
Once you have this information, contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer and schedule a free consultation. Because you can’t be sure of how your injuries will affect you in the future, the most responsible course of action is to get the legal help you need so you can understand your rights.
Now that you know more about the steps to take after a slip or fall, download our free personal injury recovery kit below, or contact us for a free consultation.
