It is a common mistake to assume a slip and fall is no big deal. In fact, a slip and fall incident can result in severe injuries that are life altering. Beyond the pain, the situation is made even more frustrating by the fact that the slip and fall was the result of someone else’s action or inaction. If this describes a recent incident in your life, it is time to consider hiring a slip and fall lawyer in St. Paul
Injuries That Result From and Slip and Fall
Here are some frequently occurring types of injuries caused by falling:
#1 Contusions and Bruising
Blood vessels under the skin burst upon impact, leading to bruises also known as contusions causing pain coupled with swelling alongside discoloration.
#2 Sprains and Strains
Ligaments stretching or tearing cause sprains, while strains are attributable to muscles or tendons stretching or tearing. Falls frequently lead to these conditions which particularly affect ankles and wrists.
#3 Fractures
Bones breaking due to falling is often seen in body parts including hips, arms, ribs, and ankles among others. These can range from minor fractures requiring medical assistance to more acute breaks necessitating surgery
#4 Head Injuries
From minor bumps to traumatic brain injuries, the resulting impact of falling can have grave implications. It is well known that falls come with their physical traumas like traumatic brain injury (TBI) which is a significant risk for fall victims.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
There are multiple factors that contribute to slip and fall accidents quite often involving unsafe conditions on walking surfaces. A few of the most common include:
Wet or Slippery Surfaces
Some common causes include wet or slippery floors from spills and leaks, as well as recently cleaned or waxed floors which creates unsafe conditions. Outdoor surfaces, like sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways could also be hazardous due to their slippery nature. This is especially true when wet or icy weather, allowing for increased risks.
Uneven or Damaged Flooring
Additionally, cracked or uneven floorings with loose tiles, potholes, or even torn carpets create tripping risks that could easily cause an accident.
Improper or Lack of Handrails
Staircases, ramps, and elevated areas without proper handrails or guardrails pose a greater risk of falls, especially for individuals with limited mobility or balance issues.
Lack of Warning Signs
Failing to provide adequate warning signs for temporary hazards, such as wet floors or construction areas, can increase the likelihood of slip and fall accidents.
Weather Conditions
Slippery conditions caused by rain, snow, ice, or other inclement weather can significantly increase the risk of falls, particularly in outdoor areas.
Insufficient Lighting
Poorly lit areas can make it difficult to see potential hazards, increasing the chances of slips, trips, and falls. Inadequate lighting can occur in stairwells, parking lots, walkways, or other parts of a building.
Obstacles and Clutter
Objects or clutter left in walkways, such as boxes, cables, or cords, can present tripping hazards. Even small obstructions can cause individuals to lose their balance and fall.
It’s important to note that these are just some examples. Slip and fall accidents can and do occur due to various other factors. Your exact situation may not be described here, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a claim. Beyond getting medicare care and calling the police, you’re also going to want to contact a St. Paul slip and fall attorney.
Contact 1-800-Injured to Move Your Case Forward
Property owners and businesses have a responsibility to maintain safe premises and address any potential hazards to prevent slip and fall incidents. As the victim of a slip and fall accident, you have every right to wish to pursue legal action. If you feel this is the right step for you, it is time you consult a St. Paul slip and fall attorney. This lawyer will evaluate your claim, gather evidence, negotiate with the guilty party and their insurance company, and possibly file a lawsuit against them. The first step is to contact us.
1-800-Injured is a medical and legal directory working with slip and fall injury victims such as yourself. As a medical and legal directory for personal injury victims and attorneys alike, we connect our clients with experienced professionals who can help them with their unique personal injury needs.
Following an initial consultation with our team, we will then reach out to our network in order to find a St. Paul slip and fall lawyer who is ready and willing to take the case as soon as possible. By reducing barriers to finding an experienced and proven attorney, we hope to empower personal injury victims to fight for the compensation they are rightfully entitled to following an accident someone else caused. You deserve financial compensation, but this justice is not automatic. The first step to holding the guilty party accountable is contacting our team.