Slip and fall accidents are more common and dangerous than you might think. Unfortunately, it often takes a personal experience or that of a loved one to fully comprehend their impact.
The road to recovering damages can be extremely challenging. A slip and fall lawyer in Gary, IN, can help you navigate this terrain and see that you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall Injury?
More than 8 million hospital emergency room visits are attributable to falls, making it the leading cause of such visits, accounting for 21.3% of all visits. Among these falls, slips and falls account for over 1 million visits, or 12% of the total number of falls.
Slip and fall accidents can range from minor incidents to more severe situations that result in serious injuries, and the consequences of these accidents can be life-changing.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, you should be aware that property owners and businesses can be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result.
And if your injury happens on city or state property, those entities are liable for damages as well, and you have every right to pursue compensation.
Slip and Fall Injury Facts
- Slips and falls represent the primary cause of lost days from work.
- 22% of slip/fall incidents resulted in more than 31 days away from work.
- Fractures are the most serious consequences of falls and occur in 5% of all people who fall.
- Falls account for 87% of all fractures among people over the age of 65 and are the second leading cause of spinal cord injuries and brain injury symptoms.
- According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), floors and flooring materials contribute directly to more than 2 million fall injuries each year.
- Of all fractures from falls, hip fractures are the most serious and lead to the greatest health problems and number of deaths.
Types of Slip and Fall Accidents Our Law Firm Represents
Numerous factors could contribute to a slip and fall accident, and these can stem from either the individual involved or the property itself.
In most cases, compensation claims arising from such accidents are successful if they involve preventable hazards on the premises that were not rectified. Such factors may include:
- Spilled liquid
- Broken steps or handrails
- Bunched rugs or carpet
- Uneven flooring
- Poor lighting
- Accumulated ice
- Stray extension cords
The Range of Slip and Fall Injuries Our Clients Have
The extent of injury resulting from a fall primarily hinges on the body part that takes the most impact.
For example, if a person lands on their leg or arm, they may be susceptible to fractures or sprains, which are comparatively less severe than injuries to the head or neck. Injuries to the head or neck have the potential to cause paralysis or prove fatal in certain instances.
Here are some examples of serious injuries that can result from slip and fall accidents:
- Fractures: Slip and fall accidents can result in broken bones, especially in older adults whose bones may be more fragile. Fractures can occur in various parts of the body, including the hips, arms, legs, and wrists.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): A slip and fall accident can result in a blow to the head, which can cause a traumatic brain injury. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage and can have long-lasting effects on a person’s cognitive and motor skills.
- Spinal cord injuries: A slip and fall accident can result in damage to the spinal cord, which can lead to paralysis or loss of sensation in various parts of the body.
- Soft tissue injuries: Slip and fall accidents can result in injuries to the soft tissue, such as sprains, strains, or tears in muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
Needless to say, these types of injuries can result in significant medical bills, lost wages, ongoing rehabilitation and care, and pain and suffering.
The Financial Toll of a Slip and Fall Accident
Slip and fall accidents can come with a hefty price tag that many people underestimate. While it may seem manageable to cover medical expenses on your own, the reality is that bills can add up quickly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the average cost of a slip and fall accident can range from $30,000 to $40,000. These costs include:
- Expenses for hospital visits
- Nursing home care
- Rehabilitation
- Community-based services
- Prescription drugs
- Insurance processing
However, it’s important to note that these costs do not account for the long-term effects associated with disability, lost wages, or dependence on others, which can significantly increase the overall cost of a slip and fall accident.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Slip and Fall in Indiana?
The ability of a plaintiff to bring a lawsuit for slip and fall injury is restricted by state law through the imposition of a time limit, commonly referred to as the statute of limitations.
This deadline is inflexible, and in most cases, failing to comply with it will permanently eliminate the injury victim’s chances of obtaining compensation for their claim.
In Indianapolis, the statute of limitations for a slip and fall injury lawsuit expires two years after the date of the incident.
This same two-year window also applies to slip and fall claims that involve property damage. For instance, if a plaintiff’s wristwatch or laptop computer is damaged in the fall, they may seek compensation for the cost of repairing these items. However, such claims must also abide by the statute of limitations.
Contact a Gary Slip and Fall Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury from a slip and fall accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately and consult with a Gary slip and fall lawyer to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.
The team of attorneys at Yosha have extensive experience in slip and fall cases. We can provide the following services to help you successfully mount a case:
- Legal expertise
- Insurance negotiations
- Evidence gathering
- Court representation
Suing private companies for slip and fall accidents
When you are on someone’s property, you trust them to ensure your safety. Under Indiana law, a landowner or business owner is responsible for maintaining safe, non-hazardous conditions on its premises.
To recover compensation for a slip and fall caused by negligence, the plaintiff must provide evidence demonstrating that the property owner or manager acted carelessly.
For a successful claim, the plaintiff must demonstrate a link between the breach of duty and their injuries.
Yosha Law will establish liability in your slip and fall accident.
Suing the city for slip and fall accidents
Yes, it is possible to sue a city or municipality for a slip and fall accident, but it can be more complicated than suing a private property owner. If the slip and fall accident occurred on a public sidewalk, for example, the city may be responsible for maintaining the sidewalk and ensuring that it is safe for pedestrians.
However, before you can file a lawsuit against the city, you may need to follow specific procedures, such as filing a notice of claim within a certain timeframe.
Additionally, there may be limitations on the amount of compensation you can receive from a city or municipality, depending on state laws and the circumstances of the case.
A seasoned attorney can help you navigate the legal process and determine the best course of action to protect your legal rights and seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
Call the attorneys at Yosha Law Firm when you need assistance with your accident claim. We’ve helped countless people seek justice after being involved in a slip and fall incident. Let us fight for you.
