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Everything You Need to Know About Your Slip & Fall Injury Case
A slip and fall can be a life-altering event. Not only can you find yourself in an emergency room visit (leading to unexpected medical expenses), but you can end up needing physical therapy, the headache of dealing with insurance companies, and even having untreated soft tissue injuries that lead to long term chronic pain and worse.
The whole ordeal can leave you with not just physical pain but also a whirlwind of questions and concerns. At The Biker Lawyers, we’re here to guide you through every step of your recovery and legal journey.
Whether you’re unsure about the severity of your injuries, the next steps to take, or your legal options, we’ve got you covered.
I’ve Been Injured After a Slip & Fall. Do I Have a Case?
A slip and fall case arises when someone is injured due to another party’s negligence. Various situations can lead to these cases, but some common examples include:
- Unsafe Design: When architectural or landscaping designs are hazardous, such as slippery linoleum flooring near a pool, it can lead to slip and fall accidents. If these designs do not meet safety codes, the property owner may be held liable.
- Poor Maintenance: Failing to maintain a property properly or conducting unsafe maintenance can cause accidents. For instance, a factory floor that hasn’t been cleaned or repaired in a long time can become a slipping hazard.
- Unaddressed Hazards: If a property owner doesn’t address hazards like the unnatural build-up of snow or ice within a reasonable time, it can lead to preventable accidents. These scenarios are particularly common in regions with harsh winters.
- Common Locations: Slip and fall accidents frequently occur in places like supermarkets, hotels, gyms, restaurants, shopping malls, and other public spaces. They also happen outdoors on sidewalks, in parking garages, playgrounds, and amusement parks.
It’s important to note that slips and falls can occur anywhere; the specific circumstances of the accident are more crucial than the location itself.
If you find yourself in any of these situations, you may have a valid slip and fall case. It’s essential to consult with an experienced attorney to evaluate the specifics of your incident and determine the best course of action.
Slip and Fall Accidents: Surprising Stats You Shouldn’t Ignore
According to the Slip and Fall Quick Facts data from the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI)…
- Slip and fall accidents account for over 1 million emergency room visits each year.
- These incidents represent the leading cause of visits, constituting a staggering 12% of all fall-related hospital emergency room visits.
- In workplaces, slips, trips, and falls are a major concern, causing 15% of all accidental deaths and second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities.
- In public settings, roughly 55% of all slip and fall accidents are caused by hazardous walking surfaces, making prevention crucial for reducing injuries.
- 22% of slip and fall accidents resulted in more than a month away from work (US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2002)
- For adults aged 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths.
These statistics highlight the widespread impact of slip and fall injuries, emphasizing the importance of both public awareness and legal recourse when such incidents occur.
It’s essential for those injured in a slip and fall accident to not only understand their rights but also seek immediate legal guidance to ensure fair compensation for their injuries.
Injuries You May Be Experiencing After a Slip and Fall Accident
After a slip and fall accident, you may suffer from various injuries, some of which can be quite severe.
The compensation you receive will depend on factors like your age, previous medical history, and the specific injuries you sustained.
From soft tissue damage to puncture wounds, lacerations to internal bleeding, there are several injuries that could be a result of your slip and fall. Here are some of the most common related injuries we see every year.
Head Injuries
- These can include brain damage, concussions, ongoing headaches or migraines, skull fractures, and more.
Facial and Dental Injuries
Facial and Dental Injuries- You might suffer from a broken nose or jaw, torn or cut facial tissue, broken or chipped teeth, damage to the eyes, and other cosmetic damages to the face or teeth.
Broken Bones
- Any bone in your body can break in a slip and fall accident, with broken hips and tailbones being particularly common.
Dislocated Joints
- These can cause significant pain and discomfort even after being set back in place.
Spinal Cord or Nervous System Damage
- This might include paralysis, loss of sensation, tremors, or other concerns related to the nervous system that were not present before the accident.
Understanding the severity and impact of your injuries is just the first step in your journey towards recovery.
It’s just as important to know how to navigate the critical moments right after the accident to ensure you protect your rights and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Make sure you seek medical treatment right away for any injuries sustained and follow your provider’s instructions – including physical therapy, medications, and follow-up visits. Most importantly, reach out to us for legal guidance. There is no obligation with a free consultation.
What To Do Immediately After a Slip or Fall
In the moments, hours, and days following a slip and fall accident, your words and actions are incredibly important.
Knowing what options and protections are available to you is a key part of your financial recovery. If you are injured, there are a few steps that you should and should not take in order to best protect your case and your opportunities for recovering damages. The Biker Lawyers are experts in slip and fall cases and know the right steps for you to take.
Your situation is unique, so we want to provide the best answers possible. We don’t believe in a cookie-cutter approach and want to hear your story so we can give you the best advice possible. We are experienced, prepared, and ready to help you today.
Your Slip & Fall Questions Answered
Experiencing a slip and fall accident can be overwhelming and frightening, leaving you with many questions about your rights, recovery, and the steps you should take next. At The Biker Lawyers, we understand the physical and emotional toll these incidents can take on you and your loved ones. Our goal is to provide clear, compassionate guidance during this challenging time.
Here, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you navigate the aftermath of your accident and secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone—our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way.
Should I Sue?
Deciding whether to sue after a slip and fall accident depends on several factors. If you’ve suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, it’s often worthwhile to pursue legal action. Consulting with an attorney can help you understand the strength of your case and whether the potential compensation justifies the effort and expense of a lawsuit. In Iowa, proving negligence involves demonstrating that the property owner failed to maintain safe conditions or adequately warn you of potential hazards.
Who Do I Sue?
In a slip and fall case, you typically sue the party responsible for maintaining the property where the accident occurred. This could be a private property owner, a business, or even a government entity. Identifying the liable party involves determining who had control over the area where you fell and whether they were negligent in their duty to keep it safe.
How Do I Handle the Medical Bills?
Handling medical bills after a slip and fall accident can be daunting. Initially, you should use your health insurance to cover immediate costs. Keep all receipts and documentation related to your medical treatment. If you pursue a legal claim, these expenses can be included in your demand for compensation. An experienced attorney can help negotiate with medical providers and insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation needed to cover your medical expenses.
What Do I Do Now for Recovery?
Focus on your recovery by following your doctor’s advice and attending all medical appointments. Document your injuries and treatment progress meticulously. Avoid making any statements or signing documents from insurance companies without consulting your lawyer first. This ensures that your rights are protected, and you don’t inadvertently harm your case. Contacting The Biker Lawyers early in your recovery process can provide guidance and support through each step of your legal journey.
How Long Do I Have to Sue?
In Iowa (according to Iowa Code §614.1(2)), you generally have two years from the date of the slip and fall accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to pursue compensation. It’s crucial to act promptly and consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure all legal deadlines are met and to preserve critical evidence for your case.
What if I am partly at fault for the slip and fall?
In Iowa, you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault, your total award will be reduced by 30%.
How much compensation can I expect from a slip and fall lawsuit?
The amount of compensation varies depending on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other factors like pain and suffering. Consulting with an attorney can help provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances.
What should I do if the property owner denies responsibility?
If the property owner denies responsibility, gather as much evidence as possible. This can include video and photographs, maintenance or service logs for installations or flooring that needed to be repaired, witness statements, medical records, and more. An experienced slip and fall attorney can help you build a strong case and negotiate with the property owner or their insurance company.
What Should I Look for After a Slip & Fall Accident?
After a slip and fall accident, it’s crucial to assess both your physical condition and the environment where the accident occurred. Here’s a quick checklist of things to look for:
- Injuries: Even if you don’t feel pain right away, check for any bruises, swelling, or discomfort that might indicate a more serious injury, such as fractures or head trauma. Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, can take hours or even days to fully manifest.
- Hazardous Conditions: Take note of what caused your fall. Was the floor wet? Was there uneven flooring or debris? These details are important for building a case if negligence is involved.
- Witnesses: Look around to see if anyone witnessed your fall. Their statements can be crucial in supporting your claim.
- Photos and Documentation: If you’re able, take pictures of the scene, especially any hazardous conditions that led to your fall. Also, document the time, place, and any other relevant details while they’re fresh in your mind.
- Report the Incident: Whether it happens in a public space or workplace, be sure to report your accident to the property owner, manager, or supervisor and request a copy of the incident report.
- Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor can assess hidden injuries and provide documentation that will be useful if you need to pursue legal action.
By following these steps, you protect your health and ensure that all necessary information is gathered for any potential claims you may need to file later.