Did you know 1 in 5 falls will cause a serious injury like a broken bone or a head injury? Falling is the nation’s most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and falls cause 95% of all hip injuries in older adults.
After a frightening fall, it’s natural to look back at the situation and wonder what happened. Perhaps the property owner could have done something to prevent your fall and all the suffering resulting from it.
This article looks at falls from a legal standpoint. We’ll cover what the leading cause of slip, trip and falls is, the most common causes, and how to pursue a settlement that covers your damages from the fall.
What is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident is a type of personal injury accident where someone falls to the ground or falls into an object due to slipping, tripping, stumbling, or falling over. While most of these accidents involve slipping on something like loose flooring, some falls arise from tripping over ground-level items like boxes and debris.
When you fall during an attack by an animal or person, it’s not usually classified as a slip and fall injury and would instead be considered a dog bite injury, a criminal assault, or something similar. If you’re unsure whether your injury qualifies as a slip and fall accident, speak to a personal injury lawyer who specializes in this aspect of the law.
What are the Common Causes of Slip and Falls?
The leading cause of slip, trip, and falls is the same here in Indiana as it is across the nation: unsafe floors. Loose and dangerous flooring materials create risky conditions and cause people to stumble as they walk.
Look closely at the area where you fell and determine what tripped you up. Was there a crumbling vinyl floor tile that caught your foot? Did you trip over a flap of old, ragged carpeting? Was the floor full of trash and clutter? Perhaps the property owner failed to repair a loose step, which caused a slip and fall on stairs.
Among the other top causes of slip and fall accidents are wet and icy surfaces like floors, sidewalks, and parking lots. Unsuspecting visitors attempt to walk across slippery areas and go tumbling to the ground as they slip.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), other common causes of slip, trip, and falls include stepladders, cluttered floors, loose and missing handrails, inadequate lighting, and unsafe surfaces. The CDC says many falls in retail stores are attributable to these causes, plus hazards from flooring, liquids, and ice.
Who’s Responsible for My Slip and Fall Costs?
In Indiana, all property owners have a duty to reasonably prevent injuries from occurring on their property. When they know about unsafe conditions and allow them to persist, they’re creating dangerous situations for visitors.
You can hold a negligent property owner responsible for your medical bills and other damages from the fall. You’ll need the help of an experienced Indiana slip and fall lawyer who knows how to build a strong case for maximum compensation.
Some property owners try to use Indiana’s open and obvious doctrine as a defense against liability for slip and fall accidents. They could claim that the area was obviously risky to any reasonable person, so they’re not at fault. However, the courts may not agree, especially if the landowner failed to maintain the property or display proper slip and fall caution signs.
What is the Average Slip and Fall Settlement Amount?
If you pursue a slip and fall settlement, it’s ideal to be awarded at least enough compensation to cover your medical bills, lost days of work, lawyer’s fees, and other costs directly attributable to the accident. Don’t forget about your pain and suffering, which may impact your life so severely that it adds considerable value to your case.
About 95% of all slip and fall accidents will result in settlements rather than going to trial. These settlements vary widely in amounts. A Forbes study found that half of all plaintiffs receive less than $24,000, but half receive considerably more.
When you browse personal injury lawyers’ websites, you’ll see that settlements of $50,000 to $100,000 are quite common. In a slip and fall case with high medical bills, extreme pain and suffering, and significant evidence of property owner liability, you could receive a very high-value settlement that pays your bills and still leaves you with ample money in your pocket as you recover from your accident.
Need an Indiana Slip and Fall Lawyer? Contact Crossen Law Firm
Crossen Law Firm is here to help you understand your options after a slip and fall accident on someone’s property in Indiana. We’ll boldly stand up for your rights as you pursue the valuable compensation you deserve for your slip and fall injuries.
Contact us at 317-401-8626 for a free consultation with an Indianapolis slip and fall lawyer. We’re here to support your recovery and help you confidently move forward from your slip and fall accident.
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