Underestimating the significance of a slip and fall is a common error. Far too many people mistakenly think such an incident is no big deal. In reality, such a relatively quick and simple fall can lead to life-changing and serious injuries. In addition to the physical pain, the situation becomes even more exasperating as the slip and fall can be attributed to someone else’s actions or negligence. If you have recently experienced such an event, it is advisable to retain the services of a Minneapolis slip and fall attorney.
Why Do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur?
Research tells us that the number of people who need emergency medical care because of a slip and fall is more than one million each year. That’s more than two thousand people each day!Slip and fall accidents often result from unsafe conditions on walking surfaces, influenced by several contributing factors. Here are a few of the most common ones:
#1 Wet or Slippery Surfaces
The most frequent cause of a slip, trip, or fall includes floors made slippery by spills, leaks, or recent cleaning or waxing. Outdoor surfaces like sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways can also become hazardous when wet or icy, increasing the risk of falls.
#2 Uneven or Damaged Flooring
Cracks, loose tiles, potholes, or torn carpets pose tripping hazards, making it easier for accidents to occur.
#3 Improper or Lack of Handrails
Staircases, ramps, and elevated areas without appropriate handrails or guardrails pose a greater risk of falls, especially for individuals with limited mobility or balance issues.
#4 Lack of Warning Signs
Failure to provide sufficient warning signs for temporary hazards, such as wet floors or construction areas, raises the likelihood of slip and fall accidents.
#5 Insufficient Lighting
Poorly lit areas, such as stairwells, parking lots, walkways, or other parts of a building, make it difficult to spot potential hazards, elevating the chances of slips, trips, and falls.
#6 Clutter
Any type of clutter left in walkways, such as boxes, cables, or cords, create tripping hazards. Even small obstructions can disrupt balance and lead to falls.
It is important to recognize that these examples are not exhaustive. Slip and fall accidents can result from various other factors, and yours may have. Your specific situation may not be covered here, but that does not invalidate the possibility of a valid personal injury claim.
Injuries That Result From and Slip and Fall
Here are some frequently occurring types of injuries caused by falling:
#1 Contusions and Bruising
When experiencing an impact, like from a fall, blood vessels beneath the skin can rupture, leading to painful bruises, also referred to as contusions. This causes swelling and discoloration in the affected area.
#2 Sprains and Strains
Falls often result in wrist or ankle sprains, which occur when ligaments stretch or tear, and strains, which happen when muscles or tendons stretch or tear.
#3 Fractures
Falling can cause bones to break, most commonly the hips, arms, ribs, and ankles. Fractures can range from minor ones requiring medical attention to more severe breaks that may necessitate surgical intervention.
#4 Head Injuries
Falls can lead to various head injuries, ranging from minor bumps to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The impact of a fall can have serious consequences, and TBIs pose a significant risk for individuals who experience falls, causing physical traumas with potential long-term effects.
Contact 1-800-Injured
Property owners and businesses bear the responsibility of maintaining safe premises and addressing potential hazards to prevent slip and fall incidents. If you have been a victim of a slip and fall accident, it is within your rights to consider taking legal action. If you believe this is the appropriate course of action for you, seek the advice of a slip and fall attorney in Minneapolis. This attorney will assess your case, gather evidence, negotiate with the responsible party and their insurance company, and potentially file a lawsuit on your behalf.
While financial compensation is deserved, it is not automatically granted. The initial step is to get in touch with us. At 1-800-Injured, we are a medical and legal directory that assists individuals like you who have suffered injuries from a slip, trip, and fall. We connect our clients with experienced professionals, including attorneys, who can address their specific personal injury requirements.
After an initial consultation with our team, we will reach out to our network to find a suitable slip and fall lawyer in Minneapolis who is prepared to handle your case promptly. By minimizing obstacles in finding a skilled and reputable attorney, we aim to empower personal injury victims in seeking the rightful compensation they deserve after an accident caused by someone else. Taking the first step of contacting our team is crucial in holding the responsible party accountable.