Hollywood often uses physical comedy to get laughs. Actors from Charlie Chaplin to Will Ferrell, slipping on banana peels and pratfalls have amused audiences for decades. But in the real world, slip-and-fall accidents are no joke. People actually get hurt, and, often, someone is responsible for their pain.
A Common Personal Injury
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), this type of accident often happens in retail establishments. Also, workers often get hurt while using portable ladders and stepladders. Slip-and-falls remain one of the most common personal injury claims.
Injured workers might file a workers’ comp claim. In some cases, workers can sue their employers or whoever owns the property where they were injured.
However, cases are handled differently when the slip-and-fall happens in a public place, like a store or office building. Here, the injured person can often sue the owner of the building or the person/company using the space. After all, they were responsible for the economic and non-economic damages suffered by the person who fell.
Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Banana peels are not the only thing that can cause you to slip and fall. Some other reasons for this type of accident include:
- Slippery floors
- Standing water
- Loose flooring
- Debris, clutter, and boxes
- Loose wires and cords in walkways
- Missing or loose handrails
- Poor lighting
The dangerous situations listed above often occur because someone is negligent. For example, a grocery store manager may realize that freezer units are leaking water onto the floor. That manager has a duty to clean up the floor or, at the very least, warn people using the store to avoid the slippery floor. Failing to do so means the manager and the store owner are responsible for anyone who slips, falls, and is injured by the hazardous situation.
Potential Injuries
Slip-and-fall accidents can leave victims feeling shaken, dizzy, and upset. Worst-case scenarios, however, include sprains, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and head trauma. When injuries occur, slip-and-fall accidents are no laughing matter.
Medical treatment can be expensive. Victims may also have lost wages and other damages. When someone’s negligence harms you, talk to an attorney about getting compensation for your damages.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents Can Lead to Serious Injury
When someone harms you, especially because of negligence, you may be able to hold them responsible for your damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can review your case and discuss your options with you.
At the Dailey Law Firm, P.C., our team of skilled lawyers and professionals provide the high-quality legal services you need. Call us at 844-342-5353 to set up a free consultation or use the Contact Form on our website. There’s no fee for personal injury cases unless we win.
We represent clients throughout the entire United States. You can reach us online or visit one of our offices in Detroit, MI; Chicago, IL; or Valparaiso, IN.