Slip and fall as well as trip and fall injuries are among the most common forms of injuries and cause over 800,000 hospitalizations a year according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Falls can cause fractures, neck and back injuries, joint injuries (particularly ankle, knees, hips, shoulder and elbow injuries) as well as traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Many falls are preventable if property owners and managers meet their legal obligation to maintain their property in a safe condition for those who are expected to use the floors, walkways, and surfaces of their property. Unfortunately, not all owners fully comply with the laws and codes.
There are many factors to consider when evaluating a fall injury cases including how long the dangerous condition existed, what the owner knew about the fall hazard including if earlier complaints had been made about the condition. Certain & Zilberg begin all fall injury cases with a prompt investigation of the location and condition that caused the fall.
FALL ON ICE AND SNOW
Property owners have an obligation to remove snow and ice at their property, including parking lots, sidewalks, steps and ramps within a reasonable time after and snow or ice storm. Property owners may also be responsible for an injury that results from a recurrent water leak condition that was permitted to freeze and create a fall hazard.
YOU MAY ALSO HAVE A CASE IF YOUR FALL INJURY WAS CAUSED BY
- Wet, loose or slippery substances allowed to remain on floors or walkways.
- Loose or uneven flooring or flooring that gives we when stepped on.
- Unexpected holes in the floor, or walkway
- Uneven sidewalks
- Uneven stairs
- Stairs without proper lighting
- Stairs without adequate hand railing
- It is also possible that the material chosen for the flooring contributed to the fall.
Contacting an attorney as soon as practicable after a fall injury is important to assure that critical evidence is collected, including taking witness statements, measurements, and photographs as well as taking steps to preserve surveillance video in the event of a future lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has suffered a fall injury, or have questions, we invite you to contact Certain & Zilberg for a free no-obligation consultation.