Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall accidents refer to incidents where a person slips, trips, and takes a tumble which results in some kind of physical injury. A person is more likely to slip when there is not enough traction between the bottom of a shoe and the walking surface. When water or other liquid gets between your feet and the floor, it can easily cause a slip and fall accident. Trips can happen when a person’s walking pattern is suddenly interrupted by an unexpected and uneven surface. Many incidents of slip and fall accidents occur in retail stores, especially during heavy weather and rain, or when staff is negligence in promptly tending to spills.
Q: What injuries are associated with slip and fall accidents?
A: It is estimated that one out of every five falls causes a serious injury, including head injuries or broken bones. Such accidents can also cause soft tissue damage, abrasions, cuts, torn muscles, sprains, and deep bruising. In some cases, a person who has slipped and fallen in a retail store needs emergency medical attention. It is possible that during the fall, a person hit his or her head on the way down. Head injuries can be minor or more serious, depending on the circumstances of the tumble.
Q: Should I file a report with the store about the slip and fall?
A: Yes, it is important that you file a report with a store manager before leaving. If you were to vacate the premises and come back later, it can have a negative impact on your claim if you need to seek compensation for medical costs. Some people may be so embarrassed about falling that they don’t want to tell anyone. However, to help protect your health and finances it is encouraged that you file a report and obtain a copy for your own records.
Q: How can I show that the retail store should have known about the risks?
A: In situations where the retail store was at least partially at-fault for the slip and fall happening, the person who was injured may try to prove that the store should have known about potential dangers. With help from a slip and fall lawyer Charlottesville, VA trusts, the victim in a slip and fall accident can use evidence to show how the retail store had been careless or negligent in tending to risks. For example, if the retail store was aware of a leaky roof but failed to attend to it properly and in a timely manner, they may be held liable for accidents due to the negligence.
Q: What evidence should I gather to help my case?
A: Before leaving the store, take photographs of where you fell and anything that may have contributed to your slip. This could be things like a liquid puddle, discoloration from a leaky ceiling above, shelving that stuck out, or anything else related. You may want to take photographs of these factors quickly, before the retail staff has a chance to clean it up.
Thanks to MartinWren, P.C. for their insight into personal injury law and slip and fall accidents.
