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.

In extreme cases, slips, trips and falls can result in:

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.

If you or a loved one have suffered a severe personal injury, we may be able to help. To contact the slip, trip and fall attorneys at Bottar Law, PLLC, please complete a contact form or call us at (315) 422-3466 or (833) BOTTARS (268-8277).