When Unsafe Property Leads to a Slip and Fall Accident
A slip and fall can happen fast. One moment you’re walking through a store, a parking lot, or an apartment building, and the next you’re on the ground, wondering what just happened.
Many of these accidents happen because something on the property wasn’t taken care of. Wet floors, icy sidewalks, broken steps, or poor lighting can all make it easy for someone to slip or trip. Property owners are supposed to keep their property reasonably safe, but when problems are ignored, people can get hurt.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Bensalem, you may have options for seeking compensation for what you’ve gone through.
Schedule your free consultation today!
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Bensalem
Many slip and fall accidents happen because hazards are not fixed in time. Property owners are expected to keep their buildings and walkways reasonably safe for visitors.
Some common causes of slip and fall accidents include the following.
Wet or slippery floors
Spills, leaks, or freshly cleaned floors can become very slippery. If there are no warning signs or the mess is not cleaned up quickly, people can easily lose their balance.
Snow and ice on walkways
Snow and ice are common hazards during the winter months. When sidewalks, entrances, or parking lots are not cleared properly, visitors can slip and fall.
Uneven sidewalks or pavement
Cracked sidewalks, loose pavement, or potholes can create tripping hazards. These problems may be easy to miss until someone catches their foot and falls.
Poor lighting in hallways or parking lots
Good lighting helps people see where they are walking. When areas like stairways or parking lots are poorly lit, hazards on the ground can be harder to notice.
Broken stairs or missing handrails
Stairs should be stable and safe to use. Loose steps or missing handrails can make it easier for someone to lose their balance and fall.
Cluttered walkways or obstacles
Walkways should be clear for people to move through safely. Boxes, cords, or other objects left in the way can create a tripping hazard.
Common Injuries After a Slip and Fall Accident
People sometimes think slip and fall accidents are minor, but they can lead to serious injuries. In many cases, the full extent of the injury may not be clear right away.
Some of the injuries that can happen in these accidents include:
- Broken bones: Falls often lead to fractures, especially in the wrists, arms, hips, or ankles. These injuries may require surgery and a long recovery.
- Head injuries or TBI: If someone hits their head during a fall, it can lead to a concussion or a more serious brain injury. These injuries may cause headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and other symptoms.
- Back and spinal cord injuries: A hard fall can injure the back or spine. Some people deal with long-term pain or limited movement after these types of injuries.
- Sprains, torn ligaments, and soft tissue injuries: Not all injuries involve broken bones. Torn ligaments and muscle injuries are also common and can take weeks or months to heal.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Bensalem
The steps you take after a fall can make a difference for both your health and any legal claim you may have.
Seek medical attention
Your health should always come first. Even if the injury seems minor at first, it is a good idea to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
Report the accident to the property owner or manager
Let the property owner, store manager, or building manager know what happened. Reporting the accident helps create a record of the incident.
Take photos of the hazard and scene
If you can, take pictures of what caused the fall. Photos of a wet floor, icy walkway, or broken step may help show what went wrong.
Collect witness contact information
If anyone saw the accident happen, ask for their name and contact information. Witnesses may be able to confirm what happened.
Speak with a personal injury lawyer
Before speaking with insurance companies, it may help to talk with a slip and fall lawyer. They can explain your options and help you decide what to do next.
Compensation Available in a Slip and Fall Claim
A serious fall can affect many parts of your life. In some cases, injured people may be able to recover compensation for the losses caused by the accident.
Economic damages
Economic damages cover the financial costs related to the injury. These may include:
- Medical bills and hospital expenses
- Lost wages from missing work
- Ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation
- Reduced ability to earn income in the future
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages relate to the personal impact of the injury. These may include:
- Emotional distress
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of everyday life
How Liability Is Determined in a Slip and Fall Case
In a slip and fall case, it must be shown that a property owner or another responsible party failed to keep the property reasonably safe.
This usually involves showing that:
- A dangerous condition existed on the property
- The owner knew about the hazard or should have known about it
- The hazard was not fixed or properly addressed
- The unsafe condition led to the accident and injuries
Evidence such as photos, witness statements, maintenance records, and surveillance footage can help show what happened.
How Long Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in Pennsylvania
Personal injury claims must be filed within a certain amount of time. In Pennsylvania, there is a two-year legal deadline for bringing a lawsuit after an accident.
If too much time passes, you may lose the chance to seek compensation. Because of this, it is often a good idea to explore your options sooner rather than later.
Why Choose an Injury Pros Slip and Fall Lawyer
After a fall, you may be dealing with medical care, missed work, and a lot of uncertainty. Having legal support can make the process easier to manage.
People often seek help from a slip and fall lawyer because they want someone to:
- Handle the legal side of the case
- Deal with insurance companies
- Gather the evidence needed to support the claim
- Work toward a fair result for the injured person
At Injury Pros, we help you deal with your slip and fall accident and make sure that you will be compensated according to your needs.
Talk to a Bensalem Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today
A slip and fall accident can leave you dealing with pain, medical treatment, and financial stress. When the accident happens because a dangerous condition was not addressed, you may have the right to seek compensation.
Speaking with a slip and fall accident lawyer can help you learn more about your options and what steps you may be able to take after an injury in Bensalem. Reach out to us today!