Slip, Trip and Fall

One of the common reasons for a visit to the emergency room is a slip, trip or fall, especially in children and adults over age 65.  On average, more than 3,000,000 children each year sustain fall-related injuries.  1 in 3 adults over age 65 fall every year. 

Many times a slip, trip or fall is not the result of negligence – but it can be.  While the concept of slipping, tripping and falling is well-understood, there are many causes, including: 

• crumbling concrete;
• snow and ice build-up on sidewalks;
• snow and ice build-up on steps;
• snow and ice build-up on stairways;
• water pooling;
• slippery floor tile;
• unsecured floor mats;
• stairs without handrails;
• ramps without handrails;
• no railings;
• unsafe passageways;
• poor lighting;
• door threshold lips; and
• heaving sidewalks.

The most common injuries in slips, trips and falls are: 

• broken hips;
• broken wrists;
• broken arms; and
• broken elbows.

• Brain injury;
• Nerve Damage;
• Paralysis; and
• Death.

In the event of a severe personal injury, the injured individual and/or a spouse and immediate family members, may be entitled to recover for:

• Wrongful death;
• Past and future medical bills;
• Past and future lost wages;
• Loss of future earning capacity;
• Pain and suffering;
• Mental and emotional disability;
• Disfigurement and scarring;
• Loss of enjoyment of life;
• Loss of society, love and affection;
• Property loss; and
• Incidental and out-of-pocket expenses.

While no dollar amount can adequately compensate for a loss, the legal system is structured to permit monetary recovery where the injured party can prove that another negligently caused his/her harm. The amount of recovery is determined either by a jury at trial, or through a fair settlement made prior to trial, that is based upon jury verdicts in similar cases. All claims that are accepted by the firm are actively researched and aggressively pursued to a conclusion.