You are out to dinner with friends, you leave your conversation and meal to use the restroom. As you are making your way across the dining area, suddenly you find yourself laying flat on your back. About ten minutes earlier, a server spilled a drink on the floor and failed to clean up or mark the hazard. A fun night out is ruined because of an irresponsible and overwhelmed employee.
If you were hurt due to another’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers are here to assist you with your slip and fall case.
Slip & fall accidents can happen anywhere, any time. Distracted walking, poorly maintained pathways, or wet weather conditions are just some reasons that accidents occur. Anything from icy sidewalks to poor footwear, can lead to a slip or trip.
While sometimes just resulting in a bruised ego, a slip and fall can also cause serious physical harm. Broken bones, concussions, or even a spinal cord injury can be the result of a fall. Additionally, these accidents may not just cause pain, but also emotional distress and financial strain.
Reasons For Slip and Fall Accidents
Slips and falls can occur just about any place and are generally caused by poor conditions. Private property owners and business owners have a duty to keep their property safe for guests. Often, negligent maintenance by the property owner can cause falls. For example, unsafe conditions like broken stairs can be responsible for falls on stairways.
Any number of unsafe conditions can result in a fall either indoors or outdoors. The reasons for these falls though may vary due to the unique conditions of indoor and outdoor surfaces and their uses.
Causes of Slip and Falls
Common causes of falls indoors include:
- Wet floors
- Cluttered spaces
- Loose carpets
- Slippery tiles
- Spilled liquids
- Greasy surfaces
Common causes of falls outdoors include:
- Uneven surfaces
- Wet leaves
- Wet weather
- Steep slopes or steep inclines
- Cracked pavements
Additionally, poor lighting, unmarked hazards, defective equipment, obstructed pathways, slippery shoes, rushed movements, and distracted walking can contribute to slips and trips.
Common Locations of Slips and Falls
While a slip and fall can happen anywhere, some locations, like construction sites, innately present more hazards and potentials for accidents. Other common locations for slip and fall accidents include:
- Parking lots
- Retail stores
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Amusement parks
- Sidewalks
- Hotels
- Public swimming pools
While property and business owners have a duty to maintain and warn of potential hazards, it is also important to understand the potential dangers of a location you are visiting to keep yourself safe.
Injuries That Result from Slip and Fall Accidents
A falling accident can result in a wide range of injuries. While you may just experience bumps and bruises, some falls can result in more serious harm.
The impact of a fall can result in:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
If you are experiencing symptoms like a headache after a fall, it is crucial to seek medical attention. A doctor can properly assess your condition and treat your injuries. Prioritizing your health is critical after a fall happens.
Moreover, if you wish to pursue legal action or seek compensation, receiving prompt medical care can be essential to documenting your injury. Documentation from medical providers can show the cause and severity of your injury, potentially impacting your financial recovery.
Contact An Experienced Slip-and-Fall Attorney Today
Are slip and fall cases hard to win? The answer depends on the facts of your case and the skill of your legal representation. Having a seasoned personal injury attorney can be crucial to pursuing your case and receiving adequate compensation for your injuries.
If you were hurt in a slip and fall accident, a lawyer at The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. is here to help. We can assess your case, explain your legal options, and help you fight for justice.