SLIP AND FALL ATTORNEY IN MONROE, LOUISIANA

Have you or a loved one been injured in a slip and fall accident? 

According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slip and fall injuries are the leading cause of hospital visits in America. What's more, these everyday accidents are also the leading cause of worker's compensation claims and occupational injury.

In my personal injury law firm, I've found that injured individuals often end up footing the medical bill themselves when the fault should have fallen on someone else entirely. 

You see, unlike minor car accidents where the other driver was clearly at fault, the assumed fault in slip and fall cases is not always clear. In many cases, slip and fall victims are uncertain of the best course of action to get the relief they need.

If you've suffered a slip and fall, then you may have a strong case and be eligible for significant compensation for your injuries and suffering, neither of which were your fault.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you've suffered a slip and fall on the premises of a business or property, there are few critical steps to take to help protect your rights to the compensation you deserve:

Step 1: Document the accident

If you're able to stay on the scene of the accident before going to the hospital or emergency room, take plenty of photos of the area. 

Photos that show the exact location and conditions that caused your accident will serve as proof in case the property owner attempts to tamper, fix, or disguise the cause of negligence.

Step 2: Seek medical attention

Seeking medical treatment is not only necessary to treat your injury, but it's also how you will establish the first legal record of the incident.  

Do not put off seeking medical assistance or attempt to "brush it off." It is essential legally to obtain a medical record that lists the extent of your injuries. Like the photos you take, this medical record can serve as a necessary piece of evidence, used either in a court of law or during the settlement negotiation process. 

Step 3: Report the accident

You must inform the property owner about your accident. 

In clear terms, you want to raise awareness of your injury with the management or property owner. For example, if you slipped and hurt yourself at the store, notify a manager immediately.

The point is to make your accident known. I recommend you be brief in your discussion with the management or property owner, and try to remain impartial about assigning blame. You do not want them to become defensive or feel that you're attacking them with threats. Let your Louisiana slip and fall lawyer handle this confrontation for you in a professional manner.

Step 4: Contact a slip and fall attorney today

As soon as you've received medical treatment, you've documented the incident and informed the property manager of your accident, it's time to contact a personal injury law firm that specializes in accident liability. The sooner you seek legal help and begin the litigation process, the sooner we can begin investigating your case to seek rightful compensation.

And since there is no charge for your initial consultation, there is nothing to lose with a free case evaluation. It is our duty and privilege at Bruscato Law to help you find out if you're entitled to legal compensation for your losses.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall injuries most often result from wet floors. They can happen in any public place, including your workplace environment, the mall, the grocery store, parking lots, and even private residences. 

These accidents fall under the legal category of premises liability. And it is usually when the property owners "slip" from the best safety practices that accidents occur. 

Examples of negligence leading to slip and fall injuries include:

• Wet and slippery floors, ramps, and stairs are the most common cause of falls, especially without proper warnings from the property or business owner.

• Poorly maintained surfaces, cluttered areas, or worn carpet can all be unsafe conditions.

• Cluttered work environments or job sites and failure to warn visitors can lead to trips and falls with the inadequate warning of dangerous conditions from the business owners.

• Inadequate lighting resulting in poor visibility and potentially hazardous situations.

Louisiana safety standards exist to prevent accidents from happening. Businesses and property managers are legally required to adhere to OSHA standards and requirements and do everything they can to prevent visitors' risk of injury.

Property owners are obligated to maintain their environments and ensure cleaning supplies and warning signage are readily available. Safety standards must be enforced, but the reason personal injury accidents happen is because of negligence on the part of the property owner.

Slip and Fall Injuries and Losses

Many people will underestimate the potential for serious physical injury resulting from a slip and fall accident. 

Depending on how a slip and fall happens, there are several possible injuries that can result, ranging from mild to severe, to life-threatening injuries. 

Here are a few potential injuries you might sustain from an accidental fall: 

• Head injuries such as traumatic brain injury, concussion, or skull fracture.

• Neck and back injuries such as spinal cord injuries that could result in severe chronic medical conditions.

• Skin and soft tissue damage such as cuts, burns, bruises, muscle sprains or torn tendons and ligaments

• Broken bones and fractures are relatively common injuries, and while they tend to heal, they can be more problematic for those with frailty or underlying medical conditions.

There is potential for serious harm from a slip and fall at any age. However, according to research from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) falls are especially dangerous for individuals over age 65. Falling is known to be the second leading cause of injury-related death in this age group, with an anticipated 7 fall deaths every hour by 2030.

Physical injury is just one possible outcome of a slip and fall, but there are many potentially life-changing losses victims may suffer. 

Such losses may include:

• Medical bills and medical expenses 

• Loss of wages if you're unable to work

• Physical and emotional pain and suffering, or trauma

• Disability

• Lost future earnings power

As you can see, slip and fall injuries may be more complicated than you thought. That's why you must seek an experienced and qualified legal professional to help guide you through the process and get the relief you need.

Do you need a slip and fall accident attorney?

There are some personal injury cases that don't necessarily require an attorney to intervene. For example, in a minor car accident where the other driver was clearly at fault, you're probably fine making an injury claim by yourself. 

But slip and fall claims can be complicated, as we've already discussed. I believe most accidents aren't suited for self-representation for two reasons:

Reason #1 — Fault is often unclear, and property owners will avoid assuming blame unless accident liability is apparent. 

Reason #2 — It's common for slip and fall defendants to argue that the plaintiff's serious injuries aren't as bad as they claim.

Simply put, a personal injury lawyer will help prove fault and make a bulletproof argument for your case. Plus, an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer can relieve the burden of dealing with property owners, insurance companies, and other third parties who may not be apt to take your situation seriously through self-representation.

It is the attorney's job to establish definitive fault for your slip and fall accident, then prove the extent of your losses (your injuries) in a court of law.

If you've suffered from a slip and fall accident, I encourage you to contact your local personal injury lawyer today and schedule a free consultation. 

Contact a Louisiana Slip and Fall Attorney For The Help You Need

If you've suffered a fall injury in Louisiana, Bruscato Law is ready to help you file your claim. And we're not afraid to escalate your case and file a personal injury claim in court.

Our experienced law firm focuses on personal injury, including slip and fall cases and premises liability cases. As dedicated personal injury attorneys, we take pride in fighting for the best possible outcomes in every case we take on. With your interests as our primary focus, we seek to get our clients' full compensation for wrongful accidents caused by someone else. 

Get in touch with our legal team at the Bruscato Law office today by calling toll-free at 318-855-1613 or completing our contact form to schedule your free initial consultation.