Is Slip and Fall a Personal Injury?

If you or a loved one recently suffered an injury on private or public property in Pittsburgh, you might wonder whether a slip and fall is a personal injury claim. “Slip and fall” is a term used for cases that can arise when individuals fall and suffer injuries due to lack of maintenance or a hazard on another’s property.

Slip and fall claims fall under premises liability law. Similar personal injury claims that can potentially arise from a property owner’s negligence can be dog attacks and negligent security claims.

Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

There can be a variety of causes that can result in a slip and fall accident and personal injury lawsuit. You could have a slip and fall claim if you had an accident due to:

• Wet and slippery floors
• Missing or broken steps
• Broken floorboards
• Cracked flooring
• Cables and other clutter on the floor
• Lack of lights
• Missing or broken handrails
• Potholes or cracks in sidewalks
• Loose rugs or mats
• Bulging or fraying carpeting

Slip and falls can happen on a variety of public or private properties, including but not limited to restaurants, bars, grocery stores, retail stores, workplaces, parks, and many others. If you suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, you might be able to hold a property owner to account with a slip and fall personal injury lawsuit. A property owner is generally responsible for removing hazards in a timely manner or at least warning visitors to their property of any hazardous or dangerous conditions with appropriate signage.

Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI), hip fractures, and other serious injuries. Injuries suffered in slip and fall accidents can have devastating ongoing effects for victims and may require costly medical treatments. Injuries in slip and fall accidents can include:

• Debilitating head and brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Serious and complicated fractures
• Dislocations and sprains
• Contusions
• Knee damage
• Cuts and lacerations

According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), falls account for over 8 million visits to hospital emergency rooms. Serious bone breaks, for example, a pelvic or hip fracture, can be permanently disabling, particularly for an older adult. After a bad fall, a senior may never be able to live independently again, needing others to help them with daily tasks.

A complicated fracture or severe head injury may require costly surgeries and long-term rehabilitative measures such as physiotherapy or cognitive therapy. Serious injuries can also cause months of recovery with the potential to be off work for a long time. Mounting medical bills and expenses, such as income losses and out-of-pocket costs, can leave victims of slip and fall accidents facing financial chaos and hardship.

Compensation in Slip and Fall Claims

Since slip and fall is a personal injury claim, you could be entitled to a number of damages if your claim against a negligent owner proves successful. Compensation will depend on the unique circumstances of your slip and fall accident and on the severity of any injuries. However, generally, you could recover the following types of economic damages as well as others:

• The costs of any medical treatments and future medical expenses
• Reimbursement for any loss of income and future wage losses
• Costs for assistive devices such as crutches and walkers
• Costs of over-the-counter and prescription medication
• Costs for hiring a housekeeper or home health aide
• Transport costs
• Out-of-pocket expenses

You could also potentially receive so-called non-economic damages, which can include awards for:

• Emotional anguish
• Physical pain and suffering
• Inconvenience
• Loss of life quality
• Disability

However, in order to have a chance to recover any compensation, you will have to prove a property owner’s negligence with comprehensive evidence. A personal injury lawyer can help you with filing and proving a slip and fall claim.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

If you or a loved one recently suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, you should connect with a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. Your attorney can protect your rights and handle your personal injury claim effectively. They can also help with:

• Gathering evidence to prove your claim and damages
• Filing the necessary paperwork required to progress your case
• Negotiating with the at-fault parties and insurances for a fair settlement
• Representing you at court

Call Berger and Green Today

Slip and fall cases can be challenging to litigate, depending on the individual circumstances of a claim. However, you do not have to struggle with a complicated lawsuit on your own. Berger and Green can be here for you, fight for your rights, and aim to recover an adequate settlement that covers all your present and future damages from a slip and fall accident.

Contact our offices today for a complimentary consultation to determine whether you have a case and how we could help you get justice. Call us now to make an appointment at (412) 661-1400.