Slip and fall accidents send millions of people to the emergency room each year. A large percentage of these falls result in serious injury such as broken bones and head trauma. When another person is to blame for your injuries, you deserve compensation.
Proving liability in a slip and fall case can be difficult. The attorneys at Coletrane & Messersmith represent individuals and their families who have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a slip and fall accident. If you are injured in a fall, you deserve an attorney who will fight for you and your recovery. Contact our office for a free case consultation at (757) 223-4455.
Slip and Fall Statistics
The statistics are devastating. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least one of five falls results in a serious injury such as a fracture or brain injury. In addition, it is expected that the fall death rates for older adults will rise to 7 deaths every hour by 2030.
Facts about slips, trips, and falls:
- As noted by the CDC, falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Over 800,000 people are hospitalized each year due to falls. (CDC)
- Falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits. (National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI))
- Falls are the primary cause of lost days from work. (NSFI)
- Floors and flooring material directly contribute to over 2 million fall injuries each year. (Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC))
- In the trucking industry, slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of “compensable injury.” (American Trucking Association)
In Virginia, according to the CDC, tens of thousands of individuals are hospitalized every year for fall-related injuries. 34% of falls in the Commonwealth were caused by slipping or tripping. Injuries in slip and fall accidents are often severe resulting in multiple days in the hospital.
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, contact our office to speak directly with an attorney.
How Long Do I Have to File a Slip & Fall Case?
In Virginia, generally, you have two (2) years from the date of an accident to file a claim for damages based on personal injury. In wrongful death claims, you have two (2) years from the date of the person’s death.
Failure to bring a cause of action within the statute of limitations can result in you being denied compensation for your injuries. Therefore, it is essential to act fast to ensure that you receive the maximum recovery allowed under Virginia law.
How Soon Should I Hire an Attorney?
In a slip and fall case, it is vital to consult an attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Virginia is a pure contributory negligence state meaning that if you are found even 1% responsible for your injuries, you could be barred from receiving compensation.
A liable landowner or their insurance representative may try to place you at fault for the accident by saying that you were looking at your phone or wearing the wrong type of footwear. A slip and fall accident lawyer can help you prove your case and file the appropriate legal documents to obtain compensation for your injuries.
What If I Was Partially to Blame?
It is not your responsibility to determine whether or not you were partially at fault for your injuries. However, a lawyer can conduct an independent investigation into the facts of your case to help determine what caused the accident and whether you had any contributory negligence.
Even if their insured was 100% at fault, an insurance adjuster might try to unfairly place the blame for your injuries on your conduct. Prior to discussing your case with anyone, you should speak directly with a slip and fall accident lawyer.
Common Injuries in a Slip and Fall Case
Injuries in slip, trip, and fall cases can range from relatively minor to severe and life-threatening. It is crucial that you seek emergency medical treatment immediately after a slip and fall accident and continue treatment until you are released by a healthcare professional. Failure to seek and continue treatment could directly affect your recovery.
Common injuries in slip and fall cases include:
- Broken bones
- Hip fractures
- Facial and hand lacerations
- Traumatic brain injury and other head trauma
- Dislocated shoulder
- Spinal cord injuries
- Damage to internal organs
Proving that a business owner or operator was legally responsible for your injuries can be difficult. You must show that they either knew about the unsafe condition, caused the unsafe condition, or should have known about the condition and did nothing about it or failed to warn about the hazard. Call our office to discuss your case with an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer.
Injured in a Slip and Fall? Contact Our Office.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact our office for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call (757) 223-4455 to determine if you have a valid claim for damages and should pursue litigation against a negligent business owner or operator.
