What is a Slip and Fall Accident?
Slips and falls occur when an individual falls due to slipping on a slippery or wet surface.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Hard surfaces with condensation
- Loose carpeting
- Floors that have been recently waxed or mopped
- Spills that have not been promptly cleaned up
- Icy walkways or stairs
When a person slips and falls, they often fall backward, resulting in a distinct set of injuries, some of which can have lasting effects.
The following are some of the most common types of injuries a slip and fall victim may experience:
- Sprained wrists
- Broken bones
- Sprained ankles
- Shoulder dislocation
- Hip fracture
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
What is a Trip And Fall Accident?
Trip and falls can occur when an individual trips over an object on the floor.
Common causes of trip and fall accidents include:
- Uneven paving stones
- Uneven flooring
- Uneven sidewalks
- Unsecured cords
- Obstacles in pathways
A trip and fall accident often happens when an individual doesn’t see obstacles, debris, or items in their path. Trip and fall accidents often result in the individual falling forward instead of backward.
Trip and fall accidents can result in the following types of injuries:
- Broken bones/bone fractures
- Neck injuries
- Foot injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Broken fingers
- Sprains
What to Do After a Slip and Fall or Trip and Fall Accident
What a person does after a slip and fall or trip and fall can impact their ability to recover compensation for their losses.
After a fall accident, you should:
Seek Medical Treatment
Your health should be your main priority. Additionally, seeking medical treatment as soon as possible can strengthen your claim and will also prove the timing of your injuries. Make sure you keep all documentation regarding treatment and document your recovery daily.
Document the Accident Scene
Take photos and videos of the area where your accident occurred and the cause of your accident, such as a wet floor, uneven stairs, missing handrails, etc. It’s important to document the accident scene before the property owner has time to clean up the area or make repairs.
Obtain Witness Contact Information
If anyone witnessed your fall, obtain their names and contact information. Their statements or testimony can strengthen your claim.
Report the Fall to the Property Owner
Notify the property owner or manager of the accident. Provide only the facts. The property owner will need to make an accident report and submit it to their insurance provider.
Contact a Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer
Contact a slip and fall injury lawyer at the Ben Dominguez Law Firm as soon as possible. A slip and fall injury attorney on our legal team can handle every aspect of your case, including negotiating with the property owner’s insurance provider to help you fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Contact Us Today
If you were involved in a fall accident on someone’s property due to negligent conditions, you may be entitled to compensation. At the Ben Dominguez Law Firm, our slip and fall injury lawyers offer free consultations. You can meet with an experienced member of our legal team to discuss your legal options and rights and learn how a slip and fall injury lawyer can help you fight for the fair compensation you deserve.