Slip and Fall Accidents Explained
It can happen anywhere! Slips, trips, and falls occur everywhere. Generally speaking, they rarely involve a fall from a great height. However, because slip and fall accidents often go unreported or unnoticed, determining who is at fault requires a thorough investigation.
Slip and fall accidents are the most popular personal injury lawsuits. Slip and fall injuries can range from getting tripped over, falling off something, falling through something, falling out of something, falling next to something. Do you get the picture? Sometimes it’s easy to be confused about what kind of slip and fall case you have, which is why it’s a good idea to consult a lawyer who can help you.
However, what exactly is a slip and fall, and the types of slip and fall accidents?
Overview of Slip and Fall Accidents
The phrase “slip and fall” pertains to a case involving personal injury where a person falls or stumbles and sustains an injury on another’s property. Typically, these instances come under the broader category of “premises liability” claims. Slip and fall incidents often occur on someone else’s property (or “premises”), and the property owner may be held legally liable.
Numerous hazardous circumstances, such as ripped carpeting, uneven flooring, inadequate illumination, narrow steps, or a damp floor, might cause someone to trip and sustain an injury. Similarly, if someone stumbles on a fractured or broken public pavement or falls a flight of stairs, the same applies. Additionally, a slip and fall lawsuit may emerge when an individual slips or falls outdoors due to rain, ice, snow, or a concealed danger, such as a pothole in the ground.
Types Of Slip and Fall Accidents
Wet and slippery flooring may be caused by spills, tracked-in weather elements, leaks, and moisture collecting, among other things. Slippery and damp floor incidents are especially prevalent among health care professionals. To avoid them, floors should be swept frequently, and signage explicitly warning hazards should be installed.
Cluttered floors
Clutter has been identified as a particular threat, and individuals should commit to swiftly removing tripping hazards.
Ice-cold pathways
Legally, the property owner is liable for removing snow and ice and spreading salt in the event of icy weather. This must be performed on steps, sidewalks, parking lots, stairwells, and any other kind of pathway.
Slip and fall accidents are often led by damaged staircases and flooring, notably loose floorboards and tiles, ripped mats and carpets, and broken stair railings or treads. While domestic property owners are always responsible for maintaining their flooring, commercial property owners also have this obligation.
Poor lighting
Slips and falls are also often affected by poor lighting. This may be caused by either bright or excessively dim ambient light or by persons blocking their field of sight when lugging huge boxes. Moving from a well-lit area to a dark one might also result in a temporary loss of eyesight. Maintaining an area’s adequate illumination is critical for safety.
Damaged sidewalks
Slips and falls may also be caused by damaged sidewalks or other paths that contain cracks or gaps. While identifying blame in the event of an accident might be difficult, it is indisputable that accidents occur due to broken sidewalks.
Always mark, cover, and fill dikes and potholes with warning signs and fences.
What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall?
Seek Medical Assistance.
Following a slip, trip, and fall mishap, your health—or the health of a loved one—should be your first focus. If you’ve been injured, it’s critical to see a physician to ensure that your injuries are correctly recorded. These medical documents will be essential if you decide to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Report the Event.
Wherever the slip, trip, and fall occurs—in a shop, on a sidewalk, or at a friend’s house—report it immediately to the management, owner, or landlord. Remember to get a written report of the incident—ask the direction, owner, or landlord to do so, and request a copy before you go.
Everything should be recorded.
It is critical to gather all prospective witnesses’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Their statements may assist you in proving your claim if you want to take legal action.
Additionally, remember to photograph the specific site of your fall and any steps, ice spots, or other factors that contributed to your accident. Make a list of what you were doing before the accident, how you feel, and any additional pertinent information, including the time and date.
Also, store the shoes and clothes you were wearing at the time of the accident in a secure location. They may prove to be significant pieces of evidence in the future.
Make an appointment with an attorney.
When contemplating legal action, having an experienced attorney on your side is critical. Due to the complexity and difficulty of many slip, trip, and fall situations, you are best served by the resources of a successful legal practice.
Hiring a Mississippi Slip And Fall Lawyer
A slip and fall accident occurs anytime someone slips or trips on the stairs or pavement and falls on someone else’s property. A slip and fall injury can vary from minor to severe injury; that’s why it is very crucial to seek the services of a slip and fall attorney as soon as possible after the accident. A Slip and Fall Attorney is a personal injury attorney who specializes in slip and fall cases.
They are well versed in all the laws about slip and fall accidents. The laws vary from state to state regarding premises liability. A slip and fall attorney investigates the accident and gathers evidence to prove that the property owner is at fault.
An Injury Lawyer also represents clients in court. A Personal Injury Lawyer negotiates with the insurance company and ensures that you get a fair settlement.
The best slip and fall lawyer also shows empathy and concern for your situation, and Rollins Law Firm is that kind of law firm. Do not be intimidated by your injuries. Contact one of our Mississippi personal injury locations near you to speak with one of our reliable Mississippi slip and fall lawyers!
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