Slip and Fall Accidents in Waterbury
Slips, trips, and falls account for many injuries suffered by Americans each year. It’s common to have an initial urge to scurry away, too embarrassed about falling in public to make a scene. But these common falls can lead to serious injuries and expensive medical bills. When you fall on someone else’s property or at work, you may have a personal injury case.
Elements of a Slip and Fall Case
It takes more than a fall in public to have a successful personal injury case. These cases are judged based on negligence, which requires several elements to be present:
- There must be a duty to provide a safe environment. When it comes to the owner of a store or a property manager, they likely have a legal responsibility to maintain a safe environment, free of dangerous hazards that cause slips, trips, and falls. If the fall occurs when you’re trespassing or uninvited, you likely do not meet the requirements of a successful personal injury case.
- In order to be held liable, the owner must have had the chance to fix the problem. Typical industry practices regarding inspection and maintenance are considered when determining if the owner is liable for the slip and fall.
- There must be a dangerous condition that caused the slip, trip, or fall. The condition of the premises must go beyond normal wear and tear. Unreasonable, dangerous conditions must be proven.
- It’s not enough for there to be a duty and a hazard. There must be significant damages sustained in order to justify legal action from a slip and fall. It must be proven that the injuries were due to the fall, which was caused by an unreasonable hazard.
Dangerous Property Condition Examples
Many conditions can lead to a tripping hazard. Property owners are responsible for maintaining a safe environment, free of unreasonable dangers. Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can be overlooked and cause a dangerous hazard. Some examples include:
- Wet or slick floors. Wet floors should always be accompanied by a warning sign. Spills, leaks, mopping, and weather conditions can create wet floors.
- Obstructed walking areas. Cords, boxes, and cracked floors are common causes of trip and falls.
- Poor visibility, including broken lighting.
- Broken stairs, defective staircases, and staircases without handrails.
- Dangerous merchandise displays.
- Unmaintained outdoor walkways and uneven sidewalks.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Even a minor fall can cause severe complications. Some common injuries caused by a slip, trip, or fall include:
- Head Injuries, including traumatic brain injury
- Torn muscles or ligaments
- Spinal cord injury
- Sprains and fractures
- Chronic pain, required surgery, medication, or rehabilitation
- Pelvic injuries
What to do After a Slip and Fall
If you experience a slip and fall accident, you should immediately report it to the property manager, owner, or landlord. It may help to get a report in writing.
It’s important to receive prompt medical attention after an accident. If you’ve sustained an injury due to a slip and fall accident, a medical evaluation will help determine the extent of your injuries. Keep all records obtained during your medical visits.
When injured, it’s essential to document your progress. Medical records, accident reports, and witness information should be kept together in a safe place. Some examples of documentation you should get include:
- Pictures of the unsafe conditions
- Pictures of injuries
- Medical records
- Witness names and contact information
Getting legal advice from a qualified lawyer is recommended. Your lawyer will likely investigate and gather evidence. You must be prompt in consulting a lawyer, as the statute of limitations is only 2 years from the date of your injury.
Contact an Attorney
Suffering from a slip and fall can leave you with expensive medical bills, the cost of rehabilitation, and even permanent limitations. Whether you temporarily miss work or suffer from diminished earning capacity from your injury, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial burden alone. When your injury is the result of someone else’s negligence, consulting with an experienced attorney can help you receive full compensation for your injuries. Call (203) 573-0019 for a free legal consultation.
Contact A Waterbury Slip and Fall Lawyer
You have the right to workers’ compensation if you’ve been injured on the job. Our experienced attorneys at The Law Offices of Thomas E. Porzio, LLC can assist you in getting the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. Call (203) 573-0019 for a free legal consultation.