Slip and fall accidents can lead to a variety of different injuries that can be hard to recover from. Complicating the situation is the fact that medical bills can get very expensive. In 2015 alone, the CDC estimated that $50 billion was spent on medical bills for slip and fall injuries. Unfortunately, while insurance can cover some of the costs, not everyone can afford adequate medical care.
Were you injured due to a slip and fall accident in Naperville, Illinois? If so, then you may have a legal claim to pursue compensation for your injuries. This is especially true if the property owner is at fault or had been negligent in some way that contributed to your accident. Regardless of the circumstances, we at Marker & Crannell are here to listen to your story and help in any way we can.
What Are Slip and Fall Accidents?
The term “slip and fall accident” may seem straightforward enough, as it’s often used to describe an accident that results in injury from slipping or falling. However, there are many accidents that fall underneath the umbrella of a “slip and fall accident” and can take place anywhere in Naperville, Illinois.
Many slip and fall accidents are filed as premises liability cases. In these instances, the owner of the property where the accident occurred can be held responsible for any injuries sustained on their property, depending on the exact circumstances. If it can be proved that the owner is liable, the victim may receive compensation that can cover the cost of any medical and legal expenses incurred due to the accident as well as other damages like pain and suffering, loss of a normal life, lost wages, disfigurement, and others.
Liability Concerns in Slip and Fall Cases
The primary factor assessed in these accident cases is the liability of the at-fault party. There are many situations to consider when proving that the owner of the property was indeed at fault. To help us figure out who, if anyone, might be responsible for your injuries, the most important thing you can do is take pictures of what caused your fall as soon after your fall as possible. Some of these concerns include:
- Slippery floors: Slippery floors due to cleaning or spilled liquids should always come with a warning sign. If these warning signs are not present, then the owner may be held responsible for any resulting injuries sustained.
- Tripping hazards: Similar to slippery floors, tripping hazards also need warning signs so that others can be aware of a potential hazard. If warning signs are not present and injuries were incurred, then a case may be filed.
- Falling objects and debris: If there is the potential for falling debris, then there should be countermeasures to protect passersby. Warning signs should also be present. The absence of these measures and signs can be tantamount to negligence, which could entitle the injured party to pursue compensation.
- Weather-related hazards: Wet floors due to rain or icy paths during winter are examples of common weather-related hazards. If the property owners are aware of these hazards but have done nothing to prevent them, they can be found liable for property visitors’ injuries.
In short, winning a premises liability case is all about demonstrating that a property owner was aware of but failed to act before, during, or after an accident. As an experienced personal injury legal team, our job is to help you do exactly that.
Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
Some injuries are more common than others when it comes to slip and fall accidents. These are some of the most common injuries that our firm sees in these cases:
- Musculoskeletal pain: Pain in the muscles and bones due to a significant fall is very common. While these often cause little concern initially following a slip and fall, they can be a sign of other serious underlying issues.
- Fractured bones: Particularly bad slip and fall accidents can lead to broken bones. Since many slip and fall victims are elderly individuals, hip fractures are also quite common.
- Head trauma and brain injuries: Different types of injuries to the head can be rather serious. Some examples include head traumas, skull fractures, and in the worst cases, traumatic brain injuries.
- Spine and nerve damage: Spine and nerve damage can also be extremely problematic. In many cases, the damage can severely interfere with an individual’s normal day-to-day life.
Though some of these injuries can be of minimal concern, many of them can be quite severe, requiring costly medical treatment. If you believe that you have a claim, it is crucial that you hire an experienced personal injury attorney to help you with your case.
Marker & Crannell — a Trusted Personal Injury Law Firm in Naperville, Illinois
Slip and fall accidents are no laughing matter. If you believe that a negligent party is at fault, then you could file a personal injury claim. Should you choose to take action, make sure you hire an attorney who has experience handling these types of slip and fall cases.
Marker & Crannell is a trusted law firm in Naperville, Illinois. We also proudly serve the communities of Bolingbrook, Aurora, Romeoville, Joliet, Plainfield, and other neighboring areas of Illinois. Whatever legal challenges you may be facing, Marker & Crannell will do its best to help you find a solution so you can move forward. Call or reach out to our office today to schedule an appointment.