Understanding Slip and Fall Lawsuits

 Posted on November 03, 2021 in Personal Injury

Millions of Americans are injured in slip and fall accidents every year. According to the CDC, over 800,000 patients are hospitalized every year because of falls.

These injuries are often severe. People fall suddenly and rarely have time to brace themselves. They hit the ground with enough force to break bones and tear ligaments. In fact, one out of every five falls causes a serious injury.

Slip and falls can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

• Wet floors in shopping aisles

• Slick outdoor surfaces caused by inclement weather, such as rain, snow, ice, or sleet.

• Debris or clutter on a walking surface

• Torn carpeting

• Poor lighting

• Uneven surfaces

Slip and Fall Injuries

Falls are a leading cause of numerous serious injuries. How a person lands usually determines the kind of injury suffer, and the surface they land on also plays a role.

Common slip and fall injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): When a person lands, the momentum may cause their head to jolt and strike the ground with enough force that their brain collides with the inside of their skull. This can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Common traumatic brain injuries include concussions, brain contusions, and diffuse axonal injury.

• Hip fractures: According to the CDC, 300,000 older people are hospitalized with hip fractures every year, and falls are a leading cause. A hip replacement may be required in severe cases.

• Broken bones and torn ligaments: People often fall awkwardly. If they try to catch themselves, they may break bones in their hands and wrists. A sideways or chest-down fall could mean broken bones in the legs and feet.

Slip and Fall Accident Lawsuits

When a person is injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, they can take legal action against the property owner.

Slip and fall lawsuits fall under the umbrella of “premises liability” law. In the State of Illinois, the Premises Liability Act outlines when a property owner can be held liable for falls on their property.

According to the Act, property owners owe all entrants a duty of reasonable care. In the slip and fall context, this duty is violated if:

• The hazard that caused the slip was not obvious (ie., it was not marked with signage).

• The hazard was not caused by the victim

• The owner should have been aware of the hazard

The victim must present evidence of the above elements. They must also prove their injuries are a direct result of the owner’s negligence and are more than nominal in value.

If the case is successful, the property owner will have to compensate the victim for the losses they suffered because of the accident. This might include money for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact a Chicago Personal Injury Attorney

Suffering serious injuries in a slip and fall accident is life-changing. In addition to the debilitating physical injuries, you might be left unable to work and under piles of medical debt. Thankfully, the injured have rights in the state of Illinois. If your injuries are the result of negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation.

Adler Law Offices, LTD believes that every client has unique needs and interests. This belief is why we offer personalized legal representation that prioritizes the client and not the bottom line.

If you need a Chicago personal injury lawyer, contact Adler Law Offices, LTD today at 312-236-2700 for a free initial consultation.

Source: 

https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html