Being a slip/trip and fall injury victim can result in more than embarrassment and a bruised ego. The injuries that result from a fall can be severe. Common injuries reported after a slip and fall are fractures/broken bones, specifically fractures of the hand, shoulder, wrist, knees, and face. Many other types of injuries can occur after a slip and fall. These injuries can result in the need for surgical repair, extensive medical treatment, physical therapy and a long, painful and expensive recovery.
Statistics on Slip and Fall Accidents
It is impossible to know the exact number of yearly slip/trip and fall injuries because many are never reported or result in injury.
The statistics on reported slips/trips and falls in the United States are alarming:
- Approximately one million people visit emergency rooms for treatment due to slip and fall injuries each year
- Slips and falls account for 12% of all fall-related injuries
- Over one out of four people 65 years of age and older will fall each year, and 50 percent will be repeat fallers
- 85% of workers’ compensation claims result from job-related slips and falls
Where and How Slips and Falls Can Happen
Slip and fall accidents can occur in various locations.
Below are common areas where these incidents happen:
- Grocery and big box stores
- Shopping malls and centers
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Parking lots
- Sidewalks
- Public spaces
- Private residences
- Condo and apartment common areas
Accidents may be caused by hazardous conditions such as wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting, debris, or lack of warning signs. When property owners or businesses fail to keep their premises reasonably safe, they should be liable for any injuries and losses you experience.
What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall Injury?
Following a slip and fall accident, you can take specific steps to protect your well-being and safeguard your rights.
These actions include:
- Seeking medical attention. Prioritize your health and safety. If you’re injured, seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, getting a professional evaluation is essential.
- Reporting the accident as soon as possible. Immediately notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor about the accident. Take note of the names and physical descriptions of all personnel you spoke with regarding your fall. Request that an incident report be filed and get a copy for your records.
- Documenting how and where you fell. Take photos of the area where you fell. If there is water or liquid on the ground, make sure to take photographs. If there is a crack or uneven pavement, take pictures showing how deep the crack is. Place a credit card, business card or ruler in the crack and take a photograph to illustrate this. Having proof and evidence of how and where you fell can be critical in bringing a successful claim against the business owner.
- Documenting your injuries. Take photographs of your injuries immediately and take updated photos as you go through the recovery process.
- Preserving evidence. Keep any evidence related to your slip and fall injury, such as the shoes you were wearing, all medical documentation, and receipts for treatments or medications.
Perhaps the most crucial step after medical attention is to consult with an injury attorney experienced in slip and fall cases to help you navigate the treatment and recovery from your injuries and bring a claim against the responsible party.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Bonita Springs, reach out to Pittman Law Firm, P.L.. We seek justice for our clients.
Call (239) 603-6913 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.
