Slip and fall accidents are very common and often quite costly. If you fall on someone’s property, place of business or at work, you may suffer from damage that isn’t apparent at the moment such as head injury, concussion or internal bleeding. We’ve all had our clumsy moments in which we are entirely responsible for not watching where we are going, being aloof, distracted, tired, or just uncoordinated at that moment. The term “slip and fall” is quite different. In a slip and fall, the fall is a result of a hazardous condition on someone’s property. They are responsible for the ice, water, poor lighting, bad signage, gaping hole, etc. that caused your fall.
Here are a few facts about slip and falls from the NFSI:
- Falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits, representing the leading cause of visits (21.3%). Slips and falls account for over 1 million visits or 12% of total falls.
- Slips and falls are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims and are the leading cause of occupational injury for people aged 55 years and older.
- Total injuries due to falls estimated at $13-14 million per year in U.S. Falls are the number one cause of accidental injury, resulting in 20.8 percent of all emergency room visits in 1995. (Motor vehicle accidents accounted for 11.9 percent of ER visits.)
- According to the American Trucking Association, slips and falls are the leading cause of compensable injury in the trucking industry.
As you can see from the statistics, falls are quite common and can cause severe damage including death. If you fall on the job or on someone’s business or property, what you do at the scene and immediately after you leave the scene is very important.
- Watch what you say. Don’t say “I’m ok” “It was my fault” “I’m clumsy”, etc. They will be able to use that against you should you decide that your injuries were based on their fault.
- Take photos of the scene. If there is a puddle, hole, uneven flooring, get out your phone and start documenting immediately.
- Write down a few names of people on the scene and get their emails or phone numbers. You may need a witness later on.
- Get to a doctor. You want to make sure you get medical attention and that there isn’t an internal injury to the head or another area that you are unaware of damage.
- Call a lawyer. A lawyer can be an unbiased support giving you feedback on your situation and the laws in your state.
Don’t be pushed around. Businesses are responsible for ensuring safe environments for everyone. Call us for a free consultation. #TampaLawyers #FLlaw #BeStrong #Fighting4You
