According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), slip and fall accidents (legally referred to as premises liability cases) result in one million hospital emergency room visits every year, with 12 percent of all emergency room visits for falls attributed to various types of slip and fall accidents. When these costly injuries occur due to another person’s or entity’s fault or negligence, victims can turn to an Indiana slip and fall lawyer for help.
If you are wondering whether you have an opportunity to recover damages for your particular slip and fall situation, the Carmel Fishers slip and fall attorneys at Camden & Meridew, P.C. can meet with you and review the next steps you can take.
How the Different Types of Slip and Fall Accidents Happen
There are three primary considerations for assessing fault and potential damages in slip and fall cases:
- How the accident happened;
- Who had control of or owned the property where the accident occurred; and
- What injuries resulted.
The various types of slip and fall accidents—and resulting injuries—can occur in a number of places and situations, most of which involve negligence claims.
Slip and Fall due to Existing Hazards
A property owner owes a duty to those on their property and must keep the property safe and free of hazards. When a property owner knows of an existing hazard, fails to take steps to prevent injury from it, and a slip and fall accident occurs, your Indiana slip and fall lawyer can help perform a thorough investigation, especially when a property owner tries to hide the hazard or hide the fact that a hazard existed when the injury occurred.
Nursing Home Slip and Fall Claims
Sadly, many slip and fall accidents occur in nursing homes or extended care facilities, where injuries can be especially serious given the frail or physically compromised nature of the residents.
Fall Injuries on Slippery Floors
Slick flooring can be caused by weather, such as rain, mud, snow, or sleet; by cleaning solutions or spills; or even by naturally slick materials used in the flooring or naturally occurring in the flooring.
Falls in Construction Zones
Ladders and scaffolding can create navigation hazards and lead to slip and fall incidents. These can be complicated cases that involve multiple parties, such as the property owner, the developer, the general contractor, and one or more subcontractors.
Public or Business Area Falls
If not properly monitored or cared for, public areas and business premises can have areas with fall risks. Common places for these accidents include:
- Sidewalks and parking lots;
- Businesses such as restaurants, theaters, shopping areas, and business offices;
- Parks of all types; and
- Stadiums and arenas.
Property Ownership and Control in Slip and Fall Cases
A claim for compensation for a slip or fall injury cannot be successful unless you pursue the correct party after. Our Carmel Fishers slip and fall lawyers help clients correctly identify the potentially responsible parties and ensure that all are properly named as defendants in the case. It is important to name the correct parties from the beginning, and the attorneys at Camden & Meridew, P.C., know how to obtain the necessary information to recover damages in slip and fall cases.
Injuries from Various Types of Slip and Fall Accidents
The types of injuries that result from slip and fall accidents range far and wide in type and severity depending on the individual involved, the type of fall, and the area where the fall occurred. Common injuries fall in the following categories:
- Head injuries, such as concussions;
- Broken bones;
- Fractures;
- Torn ligaments;
- Internal injuries;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Sprains and strains; and
- Spinal injuries.
Your Indiana slip and fall lawyer can help you collect and organize critical evidence to establish both fault and the nature and severity of your injuries.
Settlements and Compensation: Damages in Slip and Fall Cases
Camden & Meridew, P.C. considers the unique circumstances of each case and, when appropriate, pursues settlements and compensation. Our Carmel Fishers slip and fall attorneys have experience with all types of slip and fall accidents and can help you choose the most logical path that fits your situation, whether it is focused on an acceptable settlement for a swift resolution or pursuing the case through trial.
Pursuing a slip and fall claim requires more than collective documentation in the course of the investigation. Handling a slip and fall case also requires considerable interaction with various stakeholders:
- Victims;
- Property owners or managers;
- Insurers;
- Attorneys;
- Healthcare providers; and
- Courts.
Situations that may seem intimidating to a slip and fall victim are just the kind of interaction that experienced slip and fall attorneys engage in every day. Our attorneys are here to help you through your case efficiently and with care, listening to you, our client, and understanding what you want and need, especially when it comes to damages in slip and fall cases.
How Carmel Fishers Slip and Fall Lawyers at Camden & Meridew, P.C. Can Help
For assistance from a qualified Indiana slip and fall lawyer for all types of slip and fall accidents, call David Allen at Camden & Meridew, P.C. Schedule a consultation by calling 317-770-0000, or complete our online contact form.