What you’ll learn reading this article:

• Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of injury for all Americans as young as 24 years.
• Injuries from slip and fall accidents could affect your ability to work, earn income and enjoy life.
• Slip and falls are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims for people aged 55 and older.
• When they occur on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation.

Imagine you are in line at the pharmacy when you notice the janitorial staff has just finished mopping. An elderly man with a cane leaves the line in front of you and walks directly toward the wet floor. With no cautionary sign to be seen, you shout to alert him, but it is too late. He slips on the wet floor, lands hard on his hip and lets out a loud cry of pain. 

Slip and fall injuries result in visits to the emergency room or worse. Each year, more than 800,000 people are hospitalized as the result of a fall. Many of these injuries are the responsibility of the property owner and can result in litigation.

If you don’t think you’re likely to be affected if you are injured in a fall, think again. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):

• At least one million Americans are injured in a slip and fall accident annually 
• Over 17,000 people in the U.S. suffer fatal slip and fall injuries each year 
• When it comes to job related injuries, 15% are made up of slip and fall injuries 
• 20 to 30% of people who suffer a slip and fall accident will incur moderate to severe injuries, ranging from bruising to bone fractures
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are often caused by slip and fall accidents

Those injured in slip and fall accidents often are forced to miss work and lose wages. In fact, slip and fall accidents are the primary cause of missed work with many injured employees missing an average of 11 days. In addition:

• Compensation for employees who suffer slip and fall accidents accounts for up to $70 billion annually
• Up to $34 billion is spent each year in medical bills as the result of slip and fall injuries

Common Locations and Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents 

People could slip and fall on wet or icy surfaces, standing water, uneven or ill-kept floors or surfaces and loose wires or extension cords. Environmental conditions can also cause slip and fall cases in Indiana, such as inadequate or low lighting, inadequate or negligent security measures and falling merchandise. Slip and fall accident injuries can happen anywhere, but some of the most common locations include:

• Grocery stores
• Schools
• Pharmacies
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Office buildings
• Parking lots 
• Outdoor spaces and parks
• Stairwells, ramps, escalators and elevators
• Stores and shopping malls

What Age Has To Do With Slip and Fall Risk

When it comes to the risk of falling, seniority doesn’t always have its privilege. Each year, over one third of seniors will suffer a fall. While slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of injury for all Americans over the age of 24, the CDC estimates almost 1,800 elderly Americans suffer fatal slip and falls in nursing homes annually.

When Your Accident is Someone Else’s Responsibility

Imagine you’re on the way to the grocery and you slip and fall in your own driveway on snow. While unfortunate, the fault in this accident lies with you. You can blame Mother Nature, but you can’t seek compensation from her. When you get to the store, slip on a large snow-melt puddle inside the entrance, fall and injure yourself, then the blame may lie with the store owner. When navigating slip and fall cases in Indiana, it is important to understand and establish several key elements, including premises liability and the concept of notice. 

Premises Liability in Indiana

When a property owner is responsible for any personal injury that occurs on their property, it is called premises liability. The liability extends differently depending on who sustains the injury and why they are on the property. It is also important to note whether the property owner has provided notice of the dangerous conditions to others.

To prove the property owner or another party is liable for your damages, slip and fall accident lawyers must prove they are negligent and that negligence led to your accident. For example:

• A dangerous or hazardous condition existed on the property
• The owner knew or the owner should have known about the condition
• The owner did nothing to correct, prevent or warn others about the condition
• The dangerous conditions directly caused your fall
• You were injured in the fall and as a result, you have suffered damages.

What to Do If You Are Injured From a Slip and Fall

• If you sustain an injury or believe you could have, seek medical attention immediately. 
• Gather evidence about your accident, such as the location, time and how it happened. Make notes or take photographs to document conditions relating to lighting, floor surface, debris and any other factors that contributed to your fall. 
• Ask witnesses for their contact information and get statements. 
• Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer you can trust. 

A person who sustains a slip and fall injury can incur high medical expenses, lost wages and emotional trauma. If your injury is the result of a property owner’s negligence, you need to be compensated appropriately.

Poynter & Bucheri Accident Recovery – Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured physically or mentally by a person, product or company, you need to know your legal rights. Our personal injury attorneys are experienced with cases like yours and can evaluate what your case may be worth. We will ensure that you are protected and compensated for your injuries and losses. Don’t hesitate – one of our experienced attorneys can assist you right away. Call 1-800-265-9881 for a free case review.

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