Slip And Fall Attorneys In Philadelphia

While many people worry about the risk of getting injured in a car accident, there are common injury accidents that occur much more often. These accidents seem minor at first glance; however, they can happen to anybody, anywhere, and at any time. Slip and fall accidents can leave the victim with significant back injuries, head trauma, or broken bones. The accidents are often caused by slipping on a wet surface or tripping on uneven ground, often because of a property owner’s negligence. If the slip and fall injury was caused by another person’s negligence, they should be held responsible for the damages.

Slip and Falls Background

Every year in Philadelphia, many residents are injured in slip and fall accidents, with a number of them requiring hospitalization. Most people don’t think about slip and fall hazards as being that dangerous; however, even a healthy adult can take a tumble, landing on their head, causing a brain injury. When children or the elderly trip and fall, they have an increased risk of injury.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls are the primary cause of traumatic brain injuries, accounting for 40% of all such brain injuries. However, younger children and older adults are at higher risk of traumatic brain injuries from a fall. More than 80% of brain injuries to adults aged 65 and older are caused by falls.

There are many possible causes of slip and fall injuries. A number of injuries occur where there are hazards on the ground, including uneven pavement, broken sidewalks, muddy sidewalks, broken stairs, loose handrails, dropped produce in a grocery store, or torn carpet. The winter can be bring increased fall injuries, especially when snow accumulates on walkways, landlords do not keep their property clear, or water leaks turn into dangerous ice patches.

Other slip and fall accidents can be caused by being knocked over, including runners cutting through crowded places, dog jumping up on unsuspecting people, people texting and walking who do not look where they are going, or a sudden jolt while standing on the bus or SEPTA.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Injuries depend on the specific victim, fall mechanics, type of surface, height of the fall, and other factors. Falling on one’s back can result in back injury, broken bones, and head trauma. Falling to the side can result in a broken arm or hip. Forward falls can lead to lacerations, abrasions, broken bones, and facial trauma. Falls from any height can increase the chance of injury. The problem with many slip and fall injuries is that the severity of the injury may not be immediately clear.

Even if an individual says they feel fine after falling and hitting their head, they may later realize they have a concussion or other traumatic brain injury. Head, neck, and back injuries may take hours or days to develop, causing headaches, memory problems, neck or back pain, numbness, or lack of mobility.

Slip and File Injury Claims

After a slip and fall injury, the victim may require emergency medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment. This can leave the victim and their family with thousands in medical bills. In addition, they may not be able to work, or even be unable to return to their normal job. They may face ongoing pain, suffering, and scars as a result of the injury.

A property owner or store owner may try and act sympathetic if you slip and fall on their property; however, when you ask them to pay your medical bills, they may try and claim the accident was your fault. If you contact an attorney, they will be able to file a personal injury claim for you to get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If the property owner is a state or government agency, there are different requirements for filing a claim for damages. In cases against the City of Philadelphia, you may only have 6 months from the date of the incident to file your claim or it may be barred. Talk to your attorney as soon as possible after an accident to make sure your claim can be filed in time to seek compensation for your injuries.

Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers in Philadelphia

If you were injured after slipping and falling in Philadelphia, you may have a claim against the negligent property owner. The law firm of Gilman & Bedigian can help you and your family file a personal injury claim to recover damages for your injury. Our attorneys have years of experience dealing with slip and fall injury cases. We will fight for your rights to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.