Millions of Americans visit emergency rooms each year because of injuries sustained in falls. Falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the country. In many cases, the person who falls suffers a severe injury that may result in missed work and substantial medical bills.
When a fall occurs on another person’s property or at a place of business, the owner may be liable for damages under Louisiana premises liability law. If you have been injured in a fall, contact The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux for a free consultation with a Metairie slip and fall attorney. You may be entitled to substantial compensation for your injuries.
What Injuries are Common in Slip and Fall Cases?
Many people assume that a slip and fall results in a few bumps and bruises that heal in a few weeks. The person who fell may be sore and stiff for a few days, but the pain subsides, and no real damage is done. However, this is not always the case. Some accident victims suffer severe injuries that require surgery and considerable time away from work.
Common injuries that result from a slip and fall accident include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other head and brain injuries, including concussions and closed head injuries
- Fractures and broken bones, including multiple fractures that require extensive surgery and physical therapy
- Back, neck, and shoulder injuries that can limit range of motion and result in chronic pain that impairs the ability to work or perform other activities
- Spinal cord injuries that can result in partial or total paralysis and other nervous system injuries
- Knee and elbow injuries that may cause permanent impairment
- Life-threatening injuries that result in a wrongful death
Slip and fall accidents can have profound consequences for victims. When an owner is responsible for the conditions that precipitated the fall, the owner should be held responsible for damages, including financial losses, physical pain, and emotional suffering. Working with an experienced Metairie slip and fall attorney can increase your chance of recovering full compensation for all your damages, losses, and injuries.
How Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen?
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere for a variety of reasons. Some places appear to have more slip and fall accidents compared to other places. Common locations for falls include:
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Super markets and other retail shops
- Work and construction sites
- Stairs, elevators, and escalators
- Swimming pools and gyms
- Amusement parks and resorts
The reasons for a fall are as varied and the locations for falls. In many cases, when a fall occurs on another person’s property, the owner may be negligent in causing the accident. Common reasons why slips and falls occur include:
- Uneven pavement or flooring
- Broken stairs and missing handrails
- Cracks and holes in pavement and sidewalks
- Slick and slippery floors
- Curbs
- Snow, ice, and rain
- Torn or loose carpet, tile, or other floor covering
- Debris or clutter
- Falling objects
- Changes in the height of the floor (step ups or step downs)
- Inadequate lighting
- Holes in the ground or uneven ground
- If a hazard is not corrected or sufficient warning is not provided, the property owner may be liable for damages
Proving Liability in a Slip and Fall Claim
It can be difficult to prove that a property owner is liable for a fall without an experienced Metairie premises liability attorney to assist you with investigating the accident and proving the elements required by law for liability. In most cases you must prove the following elements to recover money for a slip and fall claim:
- A dangerous or hazardous condition existed on the property
- The property owner knew or should have known the condition existed
- The owner didn’t fix the condition or provide adequate warning to visitors
- The condition caused the accident
- The fall resulted in injuries and other damages
Proving the elements of a premises liability claim can be complicated. If you are injured in a fall, you should report the accident to the owner immediately and seek medical attention. A delay in medical care could be used against you to deny or undervalue your injury claim. It is always best to see a doctor after any fall because you could have suffered serious injuries that you are unaware of in the hours following the fall.
Call an Experienced Metairie Slip and Fall Attorney
The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux is a personal injury law firm in Louisiana with offices in both Lafayette and Metairie. Our law firm welcomes a wide range of personal injury cases including auto accidents, truck accidents, workers compensation and wrongful death. To schedule a consultation with one of our practicing attorneys, please give us a call at 337-989-1212 or complete our inquiry contact form.