Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere: on a wet floor in a retail store, on an uneven sidewalk, or a poorly lit staircase. If you have been injured by a slip and fall, you may be suffering and also unsure how to begin the process of recovering damages.
If that sounds familiar, know that you are not alone. The team at Berger and Green is here to help. We have over 40 years of experience and are happy to get started working on your case right away. Contact us at (412) 661-1400 for a free, no-risk review of your claim.
Common Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents in Johnstown, PA
There are a number of injuries that are commonly associated with slip and fall accidents. They include:
Head Injuries
Fall accidents are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). While mild TBIs may have only temporary effects like a momentary loss of consciousness or headache, moderate to severe cases can cause a loss of coordination or serious cognitive or mental symptoms.
Hip Fractures
The vast majority of hip fractures are the result of a slip and fall accident, especially for elderly adults for whom a hip fracture is particularly serious. Studies like those from the Journal of Internal Medicine indicate that one in three adults over the age of 50 dies within 12 months of a hip fracture.
Shoulder Injuries
Pain can be sudden and severe after a fall onto your shoulder. You may experience bruising, a torn rotator cuff, broken bones, or a dislocation. You may also experience other symptoms like tingling or numbness, and your shoulder may even become pale or blue.
Sprains and Fractures
Sprained wrists, twisted knees, or fractured bones are all common injuries after slip and fall accidents.
If you have experienced any of these injuries or others after a slip and fall accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to pursue damages. Contact Berger and Green today at (412) 661-1400 for a free review of your slip and fall accident case.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Johnstown, call (412) 661-1400
Proving Liability After a Slip and Fall Accident
The most challenging part of a slip and fall accident claim is proving that the owner or manager of the property was negligent and that their negligence caused the accident. This can mean that:
- They must have caused the danger and done nothing to correct it;
- They must have known about the danger–even though they did not create it–and did nothing; or
- A reasonable person would have recognized the danger and made changes to prevent the accident.
This last scenario is the case in many accidents, and it is up to you or a slip and fall accident and injury lawyer in Johnstown, PA, to prove what a “reasonable person” should have known and done.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (412) 661-1400
Damages Victims May Recover in Slip and Fall Accidents
Though we cannot estimate what damages you may be able to collect after your slip and fall accident, some of the damages that victims have been able to recover include:
- Medical costs, such as ambulance rides, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, doctors’ visits, and surgeries
- Lost wages, past and present
- Future wages if you cannot return to work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
In some cases where the injuries are severe enough, the victim does not survive. In those instances, it is up to the family to fight for the right to pursue damages for the loss of their loved one. Some of the most common damages families have been able to recover after a wrongful death lawsuit include:
- Medical costs
- Funeral expenses
- Lost wages and benefits that were provided by the victim
- Loss of support and protection
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Click to contact our Johnstown Personal Injury Lawyers today
A Slip and Fall Accident and Injury Lawyer in Johnstown, PA, Can Help
According to the National Floor Safety Institute, injuries suffered in slip and fall accidents have led to millions of emergency room visits and are a major cause of death in the United States. The injuries that result from these accidents can be serious and costly, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
In the worst cases, the victim does not survive the accident.
If you are facing mounting medical bills–or worse, the loss of a loved one–because of a slip and fall accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to hold that person responsible for their actions.
But do not delay: Pennsylvania Statute § 5524 generally requires victims to file a lawsuit within two years of the accident in order to recover damages. If a death occurred because of injuries sustained in the slip and fall accident, the two-year clock starts ticking on the date of the victim’s death.
Here are some specific ways we can help:
- Be available 24/7 to answer questions you have and provide the support and guidance you need during this stressful time
- Gather evidence like medical records, police reports, and eyewitness statements supporting your claim
- Establish liability in the case
- Negotiate with attorneys to pursue compensation for your injuries
- Pursue damages at trial if we are unable to reach an agreeable settlement outside of court
In other words, our slip and fall accident and injury lawyers in Johnstown, PA, are here to fight for your right to pursue damages in your claim while you focus your time where it is best spent: recovering from your injuries.
If you are ready to get started or would like to take advantage of our free, no-risk consultation, contact Berger and Green now at (412) 661-1400. We have over 40 years of experience and are proud of the results we have achieved for our clients. Call to get started now.
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