Suffering a slip and fall accident can have serious consequences. Some victims can experience a sprained ankle, soft tissue damage and broken bones. Other victims can experience spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or even death.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries after a slip and fall accident, it may be possible to recover financial compensation for the damages sustained. When the accident is caused as a result of another’s negligence, the negligent party can be held accountable.
Common Accidents that Can Lead to a Slip and Fall Claim
A slip and fall accident can happen almost anywhere. The following are common slip and fall accidents that can lead to a personal injury claim.
- An accident caused by a recently waxed floor,
- A slip and fall caused by an unobstructed walkway,
- Slip and falls caused by a deteriorating sidewalk,
- Accidents caused by inadequately placed carpet or tile,
- Accidents on escalators or elevators,
- Slip and falls caused inside supermarkets or restaurants, and
- Slip and falls that occur in construction sites
Every slip and fall accident will have unique circumstances that can drastically affect the case. For instance, an accident that has occurred on a construction site will be handled differently than one that was caused inside an apartment complex.
Nonetheless, every case will require evidence of liability. Obtaining sufficient evidence can make the difference between a successful claim and a claim that has been denied. The following evidence can play a key role in a case:
- Obtaining the maintenance records of the property where the accident took place in,
- Obtaining police reports when the accident took place,
- Witness testimony,
- Surveillance footage of the accident,
- Photos of the scene and condition that caused the accident,
- Obtaining expert witnesses, and
- Obtaining a record of other similar cases that have occurred in the same location
Available Remedies Following a Slip and Fall
The damages available by filing a claim will depend on the specific facts of each individual case. Typically, claimants can seek compensation for the following:
Economic Damages – Economic damages are tangible damages that can include medical treatment costs and the loss of income while in recovery. They can also include future costs, such as the need for at-home treatment or surgery.
Non-Economic Damages – These damages are intangible, such as a diminished quality of life, pain and suffering, disability, and disfigurement.
Exemplary Damages – These types of damages are regularly referred to as punitive damages, and are intended to punish the negligent wrongdoer for the egregious behavior that lead to the accident. Punitive damages can be awarded to a victim when it can be demonstrated that the defendant acted with malice and intentionally caused the accident.
After a Slip and Fall, Obtain the Legal Support of a Qualified Attorney
The ability to obtain damages can depend on the facts of each case, and while not every remedy will be available to every case, victims should seek the maximum amount of compensation available.
Slip and fall cases can result in life-long injuries. If you have suffered an injury caused by a slip and fall in another’s property, it is essential that you act quickly and seek the legal support of a skilled law firm. A dedicated law firm will ensure that all evidence required to build a strong case is collected as quickly as possible.
The personal injury attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation have over 30 years of dedicated experience handling the most complex slip and fall cases. Following your accident, consider speaking to an attorney at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation today.
