Common Injuries In Maryland Slip And Fall Accidents
It is common for people of all ages to stumble or take a minor spill, but some victims suffer serious injuries in slip and fall accidents. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 5 falls causes significant trauma, and approximately 800,000 individuals seek medical treatment for falls every year. Tragically, almost 44,700 people are killed in slip and fall incidents. Though they mainly impact older adults, anyone could be injured when property and business owners fail to ensure safety on the premises.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be eligible for compensation under Maryland personal injury laws. Specifically, the concept of premises liability applies, holding property owners accountable when they do not exercise reasonable care. You could sustain severe losses, so talk to an Owings Mills slip and fall lawyer about remedies. Some information on common injuries and the legal process is also helpful.
Injuries from Slip and Falls: The details of the accident and surrounding circumstances affect the severity of the harm, so every case is different. A victim may suffer:
- Head injuries, including concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI);
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Broken bones, especially in the lower body;
- Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, herniated and bulging spinal discs, sprains, and strains; and,
- Broken hip, as falls are the cause of 95 percent of all hip fractures.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls: The underlying reason that fall accidents happen is negligence by property and business owners who fail to keep their space safe. With older adults, the primary concern is nursing home neglect. Assisted living facilities may not take proper care to maintain common areas and resident rooms, particularly repairs to loose carpet and flooring. Another problem is when nursing homes are understaffed, leading residents to fall when they try to get out of bed or a wheelchair.
Other causes of slip and falls affect people of all ages, at stores, restaurants, parks, office buildings, and apartment complexes. Examples include:
- Failure to clean up spills;
- Not clearing debris and equipment from hallways and aisles;
- Neglecting to place warning signs; and,
- Failing to fix broken pavement, stairs, railings, and balconies.
Recovering Compensation: In most slip and fall cases, you will deal with the property or business owner’s insurance company. When you file a claim, the insurer will investigate and may respond with a counteroffer. However, if the company denies your claim or refuses to pay a fair amount, the next step is going to court. Through the process, you can recover medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Trust a Maryland Slip and Fall Attorney for Legal Help
A summary of the legal process is useful, but it does not cover the details and complexities that can arise. Furman | Honick Law is prepared to tackle all important tasks, so please contact us to schedule a free consultation at our offices in Owings Mills or Baltimore, MD. You can speak to a skilled slip and fall lawyer by calling 410-844-6000 or visiting our website.
Source:
cdc.gov/falls/facts.html
