Slip and fall injuries result in about 9 million emergency room visits each year. They are also the second leading cause of unintentional death in the United States. When injuries are severe, recovering can be a complicated process that requires intensive medical care and physical rehabilitation. In the worst cases, victims require around-the-clock care.
Common causes
Slip and fall accidents are common in all sorts of locations. These accidents can result in life-altering injuries. As a result, it is important to know the common causes of these accidents.
Common injuries
Common slip and fall injuries can be very serious. A fall can result in a variety of injuries, including head and neck injuries, traumatic brain injury, and even spinal cord injuries. Some of these injuries are not life-threatening, but they are a major concern.
Costs of medical treatment
Medical treatment costs for slip and fall accidents can be astronomical. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the average cost of a hospital stay for a slip and fall accident is over $3000. These costs include the cost of doctors’ fees and other professional services, hospital and nursing home fees, insurance processing and prescription drugs. But these costs don’t take into account the longer-term effects of the injury, such as lost income and a reduced quality of life.
Damage to muscles, ligaments, and bones
A slip and fall can cause serious injuries to your muscles, ligaments, bones, and spinal cord. The impact of a fall can fracture vertebrae or tear a disc, leaving you with limited mobility and severe pain. An injury to the spinal cord can lead to permanent paralysis or even death. The force of falling can also cause injuries to the neck, wrist, and hand.
Liability of property owner
The liability of a property owner for slip and fall injuries can be complicated. In order to be held liable, a property owner must have violated their legal duty of care. This duty depends on whether or not the condition created a dangerous situation, whether the owner knew of the problem, and whether he or she failed to take appropriate action.
Compensation for victims
A slip and fall injury can leave a person permanently disabled. Depending on the severity of the injury, a person can need months or years to recover. In some cases, a person may have to work part-time or take a lower paying job. In other cases, they may be unable to work at all. In either case, they may be eligible for compensation for their loss of earning potential. The amount of compensation varies from case to case, and it’s important to contact a personal injury attorney for more information.
Remember that a New Jersey slip and fall accident lawyer is going to do wonders in order to help you get the financial compensation you deserve after such an accident. Have patience and always look for the very best one you can locate. Never trust the ambulance chasers since they do not want your best.
