Slip And Falls

The National Safety Council estimated that in 2019, more than 8 million people were treated at the emergency room for a fall-related injury. According to the CDC, about 3 million of those people are older adults.

Take a moment to consider the fact that these are just the falls that result in a trip to the emergency room. Falls resulting in bumps and bruises happen even more often, though one out of every five falls does cause an injury. Being injured is bad enough, but unfortunately, slips and falls can and do result in fatalities. The WHO puts the global number of fatal falls at over 684,000 per year. For reference, that number is nearly the entire population of Portland, Oregon.

Many falls occur outside of the home, in places like grocery stores, hotels, restaurants, and more. Anywhere people walk around, there is the potential for a slip and fall.

The most common causes of slips, trips, and falls are:

• Slippery surfaces. Spilled beverages, water leaks, recently-mopped floors, or icy pavements can all cause someone to fall if left unaddressed.
• Uneven flooring. Bunched-up sections of a mat or rug, raised carpeting, or uneven pavement can create trip hazards.
• Items left out on the floor. Even small items, such as an abandoned toy in a store, can easily cause someone to trip. Power cords used in high-traffic areas may also cause accidents.

Some slips and falls result in nothing more than a bruise or two and a bit of embarrassment. Others result in tragedy, leaving family members confused and grieving the sudden loss of their loved one.

Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries, which are very serious and can lead to permanent disabilities or death. The series of events leading up to and following a wrongful death due to a slip and fall accident can be difficult to sort through, leaving families wondering what their options and rights are.

Though nothing can ever bring that person back, it may be possible to hold someone accountable for their wrongful death.

Premises liability can be a confusing and overwhelming thing to consider for property owners. If someone falls on their property, are they responsible? The answer to that question will depend largely on a property owner’s knowledge of a hazard.

If a property owner is aware of a problem and does not take the proper steps to address it, resulting in someone falling, they may be liable for that person’s injuries or death. For example, if there is a spill in a grocery store and a “wet floor” sign is not put up, nor is the spill cleaned promptly, the store may be held liable if someone slips and is injured.

If your loved one died due to injuries caused by a slip and fall accident on another person’s property, you may be entitled to compensation.

This may include payouts for:

• Loss of financial support
• Past medical expenses
• Funeral or memorial expenses

The details of the fall itself and how the injuries may have impacted your life will determine how your case goes and what kind of compensation you may be eligible to receive.

We know the legal system may seem confusing, but Mourn is here to help. We can connect you with not only the right lawyer for you and your case but with trusted resources such as grief counseling to help you deal with the aftermath of a wrongful death.

Losing a loved one, especially unexpectedly, can take a tremendous emotional toll. Let us take some of the weight off of your shoulders. Contact Mourn today for a free consultation.