With over 8 million ER visits attributed to slip and fall incidents each year, these incidents occur more often than you might think. What’s worse, their consequences can be both physically and financially overwhelming.
Additionally, when people slip and fall, many tend to blame themselves. While many of these incidents are preventable, the victim is not always at fault.
Unfortunately, proving this can be difficult without expert legal representation. Even with all the evidence in hand, negotiating with an insurance company can be tricky.
Often, neither property owners nor their insurance companies take responsibility for the conditions that lead to a slip, trip, or fall. That’s why, at DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers, we take an aggressive approach when pursuing compensation in such cases.
What Triggers Slip and Fall Accidents, and Where Do They Happen?
Slip and fall incidents can occur just about anywhere—at home, in workplaces, commercial establishments, public properties, and private properties. Common causes include:
- Spills, leaks, or recent mopping that leaves floors wet and slippery.
- Cracked sidewalks, loose tiles, or poorly maintained flooring that result in uneven walking surfaces.
- Accumulated ice, snow, or rainwater that creates dangerous conditions, especially in parking lots or entryways.
- Items left in aisles or hallways that pose tripping hazards.
- Inadequate lighting that reduces visibility and increases the risk of missing steps or obstacles.
- Poor maintenance, neglect, and lack of routine repairs in public areas (e.g., stairwells, walkways, hallways), which create hazardous conditions.
What Types of Injuries Are Common?
Slip and fall injuries can range from minor bruises to severe trauma. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Fractures
- Head Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Spinal Injuries
It’s important to understand that even seemingly minor injuries can lead to ongoing medical issues, so it’s crucial not to ignore them.
6 Things to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
- Dial 911: If you’ve sustained serious injuries, call 911 immediately. This not only ensures you get the emergency help you need but also provides reports from emergency responders, which can be crucial evidence when seeking damages.
- See a Doctor: Your health should always be your priority. Even if the injuries seem minor, seek a medical evaluation to identify any hidden issues that may cause problems later.
- Report the Incident: Notify the property owner, manager, or landlord immediately, and request a written copy of the report. This ensures they don’t have the opportunity to make hasty repairs and deny the incident ever occurred.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the area, focusing on any hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting.
- Collect Witness Information: If anyone witnessed the incident, get their names and contact details for future reference.
- Keep the Evidence: Preserve your clothing and shoes as they may provide crucial evidence. Additionally, keep all documentation of the medical treatment you receive.
Does It Make Sense to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?
If negligence is involved, a premises liability lawsuit can be a viable option. However, you’ll need to prove that the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment or did not warn of hazards.
One challenge in Kansas is that it follows the modified comparative fault law. This means that if the other side can prove you share some fault for the incident, they can reduce the compensation they owe you or avoid paying anything at all.
Additionally, most cases of this nature are settled out of court, but strong negotiation skills are necessary to ensure fair compensation. In either case, having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference.
Our injury attorneys have decades of experience in handling personal injury lawsuits. We take a hands-on approach, thoroughly reviewing every detail—such as inspection reports and medical records—to build the strongest possible case.
With a proven track record of success, we’re committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve while making sure you feel in control as we handle the tough stuff.
Contact our convenient local Kansas and Missouri personal injury law firm today for a free, no-obligation case review!