What You Need to Know About Slip and Fall Injuries

For those that have never experienced a slip and fall injury, the implications might seem minor. Yet injured victims know the truth. Slip and falls can lead to catastrophic injuries. In fact, more than 15,000 Americans per year suffer fatality from a slip and fall accident. If you or someone you love has been injured or suffered a wrongful death after a slip and fall, the following information can help you understand your rights, including your right to pursue compensation.

When one falls and injures themselves on someone else’s property, the owner of that property may be held liable under the Law of Premises Liability. These accident locations can include establishments like big box warehouse stores, malls, department stores, sporting arenas, night clubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, public playgrounds, theme parks, amusement parks, hospitals, movie theaters, and other public places that are obligated to ensure safety of their patrons. Slips, trips, and falls can also occur outside of the establishment, such as in the parking lot, or on a stairwell, sidewalk, or entryway. A victim may even sustain injuries at a private home that they were lawfully allowed.

Victims of slip and fall accidents may sustain a number of fairly minor injuries, including scrapes, bruises, contusions, and mild sprains. However, victims can also suffer from serious or catastrophic injuries, including bruised tailbones, broken bones, facial fractures, severe sprains, concussion (traumatic brain injury), pulled muscles, and spinal injuries. Some of these injuries may be so severe that they lead to death. For example, a traumatic brain injury can cause the brain to swell enough that the victim suffers fatality. Such incidents are known as wrongful deaths.

If you or someone you love has suffered a slip, trip, or fall accident, it is important that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Also, if you can, take photographs of the scene of the accident. Pay especially close attention to whatever might have caused your accident (i.e. a wet floor where no sign was present, icy sidewalks, broken or uneven walkways, etc.). If you have any visible injuries, you might also ask someone to photograph them. You should also document any expenses that you incur, such as medical or travel expenses, medication costs, or time missed from work. All of this information should be supplied to your attorney.

At Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, L.L.P., we understand the significant impact that a slip and fall injury can have on your life, or the life of a loved one. Our San Jose personal injury lawyers will handle all of the legal details to give you and your loved ones the time and energy you need to heal or grieve. Dedicated to helping you recover both physically and financially, we will fight for the most compensation possible for your situation. Call (408) 289-1417 and schedule your free initial consultation with us today.

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