Fargo Slip and Fall Injury Attorneys
Imagine walking through a retail shop or a grocery store when all of a sudden your feet come completely out from under you. The experience is terrifying, and can result in severe injuries. Tragically, these incidents can even be fatal. What makes this type of accident even worse is that, in the majority of instances, it is completely preventable.
The personal injury attorneys with Sand Law are experts in slip and fall cases. We know how to investigate them, and gather the evidence needed to show when an act of negligence causes them. If you choose us to represent you, we can guarantee we’ll leave no stone unturned in an effort to help you obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Please give us a call at 701-609-1510 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we may be of assistance.
Slip and Fall Accident Statistics
When you think of the most common reasons people have to go to the hospital, car accidents or truck accidents might come to mind first. But the biggest cause of hospital visits is actually falls. An average of about 8 million people have to go to the hospital after falling. This accounts for 21% of all hospital visits in the U.S. each year.
Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Often Occur?
A slip and fall accident can take place anywhere there’s a slippery surface, or there’s an uneven surface. These are just a few examples.
- Sidewalks. A broken sidewalk can result in an uneven surface that can cause an unsuspecting pedestrian to suddenly trip and fall forward.
- Stairs. Stairs are often poorly designed. In many instances, they’re either too narrow, or they’re too steep. Unstable handrails can make it impossible for people to steady themselves, greatly increasing the risk of a fall.
- Aisles. Grocery stores and other retail locations are notorious for slip and fall accidents, because a manager or employee fails to clean up a spill in a timely manner.
Hazards that Can Cause Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents can occur due to a number of different types of hazards, including the following:
- Uneven surfaces. Broken sidewalks aren’t the only culprits when it comes to this hazard, of course. People can fall due to loose floorboards, torn carpeting, clutter carelessly left on a floor, and many other reasons.
- Slippery surfaces. A spill on a hard surface is a recipe for disaster. However, if a floor has just been waxed or mopped, and the worker who performed the task fails to place a sign warning customers, the owner of that place of business could be held liable if a customer slips.
- Lack of training. Workplace falls can have horrible – even tragic – consequences. They typically occur due to a lack of training. One example is a construction worker who slips while at the helm of a forklift, or another type of potentially dangerous machinery. While it is the responsibility of the worker to remain safe, it’s also the responsibility of the employer to make sure that worker is properly trained on all safety procedures.
Who is Liable for my Slip and Fall Accident?
When someone owns a business that is open to the public, that person owes a duty of care to customers to keep them safe while on the premises. They need to not only take all reasonable precautions to ensure safety, they also have to train their employees to quickly recognize and rectify any potentially dangerous situations.
The classic example is the owner of a grocery store. That owner must make sure employees react to any spills quickly and efficiently. Employees must clean and dry the spill as fast as they can. If they don’t, and someone slips due to their negligence, then the owner of the store could be held liable.
When any property owner fails to make the property as safe as reasonably possible, and an accident occurs due to that failure, the owner could face liability.
Comparative Negligence in Slip and Fall Cases
In Fargo, North Dakota, the concept of comparative negligence can come into play in slip and fall cases. If the injured party is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their compensation might be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For instance, if a person ignored clear warning signs and slipped, they might be deemed partially responsible. Working with an experienced attorney can help navigate these complexities and ensure a fair outcome.
Proactive Steps for Property Owners to Prevent Accidents
Property owners in Fargo, North Dakota, have a duty to ensure the safety of visitors. Regular inspections to identify potential hazards, prompt maintenance, and clear signage indicating wet floors or uneven surfaces can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Training staff to recognize and address hazards, installing proper lighting, and ensuring walkways are free from clutter are also essential measures. By being proactive, property owners can protect visitors and reduce their own liability.
Understanding the Long-Term Consequences of Slip and Fall Injuries
While some slip and fall accidents result in minor injuries, others can have profound long-term impacts. Victims might suffer from chronic pain, mobility issues, or even cognitive impairments due to head injuries.
These long-term effects can impact a person’s ability to work, engage in daily activities, and enjoy a quality life. Recognizing these potential challenges and seeking appropriate medical and legal support is essential.
5 Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
It can seem almost impossible to keep a clear mind after experiencing a slip and fall. But if you can try to do the following, that could make it much more likely that you’ll be able to obtain the compensation you deserve.
- Call for medical help immediately, even if you don’t think you’ve been hurt badly. The symptoms of some slip and fall injuries won’t present themselves until the adrenaline created by the shock of the fall subsides.
- Tell the store or property owner immediately. Never admit any sort of fault, or say anything that could be construed as you’re admitting fault.
- Write down the name of the manager on duty, as well as the owner of the property. Also, try to obtain the contact information of any witnesses that may have seen what happened.
- Take photos of the spot where your fall takes place. This could be a powerful piece of evidence that could work in your favor.
- Call an experienced personal injury attorney so that an investigation into your accident can begin as quickly as possible.
Receiving Compensation for Your Damages
Hiring an attorney will be your best chance of obtaining compensation to cover the damages, or financial losses, that you will incur due to your injury. Examples of damages include lost wages, medical bills, emotional trauma and many others.
Your attorney will immediately get to work looking for evidence that will make your case as strong as possible. This can include obtaining footage from any cameras that may have caught the accident, as well as interviewing witnesses. Attorneys will sometimes call in expert witnesses who can recreate the accident, or can testify to the severity of the injury you suffered.
Speak to an Experienced Fargo Slip and Fall Attorney
The attorneys with Sand Law are ready to help if you’ve suffered an injury in a slip and fall accident caused by someone else’s negligence. If you would like to schedule a free case review, you can contact us online or give us a call at 701-609-1510.