When you hear the term “slip and fall,” it is easy to assume that it is a minor incident. Someone fell, and then they got up. However, slip and fall injuries can be serious – even fatal. According to a report from the National Floor Safety Institute, falls are the leading reason for hospital emergency room visits in the nation, accounting for about 8 million visits a year. They also result in five percent of job-related fatalities for women in the U.S. and about 11 percent for men. Additionally, 85 percent of all worker’s compensation claims are attributed to employees slipping and falling on slick floors.
Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo, in his 2018 State of the City address, noted that the city approved over 1,000 building permits for home renovations and additions and issued 210 commercial construction permits in 2017. With construction comes debris, which provides fertile ground for slip and fall incidents.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Causes and Legal Ramifications
- Get a Free Case Evaluation
- Types of Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents in Revere
- What You Should Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Revere
- Client Reviews
- How Long Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim?
- Our Revere Slip and Fall Attorneys Can Go to Work for You Today
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If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Revere, you may be faced with physical pain, missed work, and financial strain. An experienced personal injury attorney at Michael Kelly can help you to pursue the compensation you need in order to make a full recovery. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation.
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Slip and Fall Accidents: Causes and Legal Ramifications
Slip and fall accidents can occur due to a number of situations, including:
Slip and falls represent one of the most common types of premises liability claim. Legally, a property owner has a responsibility to keep property safe and free of known hazards that could cause visitors to slip and fall. This responsibility exists with:
- Private property owners, including landlords
- Private business owners
- Public agencies tasked with overseeing community properties, including sidewalks and parks
In some cases, a company contracted to maintain a property and keep it free of snow and ice may also be liable.
In order to prove liability in a slip and fall case, evidence must establish that the property owner or other responsible party knew of the slip and fall hazard, or should have known of it, and failed to fix the issue or properly post warnings or signage near the hazard so that visitors would know to avoid it.
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Types of Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents in Revere
As noted by the National Floor Safety Institute, 30 percent of individuals ages 65 and older will sustain a fall each year, and 10 percent of those falls will result in a serious injury. Slip and fall accidents are responsible for several different types of injuries for people of all ages, including:
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Broken bones
According to the NFSI, fractures are the most serious consequence of falls. They happen in about five percent of falls. Fractures, which are broken bones, can occur in the foot, ankle, hip or wrist. Broken bones can lead to time off work, reduced mobility and months of medical treatment. Hip fractures are the most serious of fractures seen in falls, with a greater chance of complications and even death, when compared to other bone fractures. Some symptoms of broken bones include intense, throbbing pain, difficulty walking or moving the affected limb, swelling, bruising and tenderness.
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Back and neck injuries
The impact of the fall can cause a fractured vertebra in the back or neck, a slipped disc or other serious back or neck injuries. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, worsening pain with movement, loss of range of motion and tenderness or pain in the upper back or shoulders.
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Traumatic brain injuries
Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. Symptoms of a TBI include loss of consciousness, slurred speech, confusion or disorientation, dilation of one or both pupils, nausea or vomiting, a headache that worsens, seizures, numbness or weakness in fingers or toes, inability to awaken from sleep or coma.
What You Should Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Revere
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, should take several steps to protect your legal rights, including:
- Seek medical attention for your injuries.
- Use your camera phone to take photos of the hazard that caused your accident.
- Write down the names and contact information of witnesses who saw you fall.
- Write down the name of the supervisor at the location where you fell.
- Report the incident to the property owner, landlord or property manager. It is a good idea to follow up your report with a certified letter, detailing the incident in writing.
- Avoid speaking to a property owner’s insurance company until you have spoken to a lawyer first.
Massachusetts law requires you to notify a property owner within 30 days if your slip and fall occurs due to snow and ice. Failing to do so will prevent you from filing a claim. So, don’t wait to act.
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How Long Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim?
The time limit imposed on an individual’s ability to file a legal claim and seek compensation is known as the statute of limitations. If the claim is not filed within that time frame, the injured party may be barred from legal action against the property owner or entity who neglected to maintain a safe property, free of slip and fall hazards.
Massachusetts law allows for a maximum of three years from the time of the injury to file a premises liability claim. It is important to begin the process as soon as possible in order to preserve evidence and provide the best chance for a successful outcome. Some of the evidence used to prove a slip and fall claim includes security camera footage, witness statements, photos of the scene or, in the case of commercial properties, evidence of previous slip and fall incidents.
Our Revere Slip and Fall Attorneys Can Go to Work for You Today
At Michael Kelly, we are experienced when it comes to handling slip and fall premises liability claims in Revere. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and case review. We will charge no costs or fees unless we secure compensation for you.
