According to the National Institute on Aging, your risk of a fall rises the older you get, and every year more than one out of three Pennsylvanians age 65 and older will suffer a fall.
If you are an older adult who has been hurt in a fall, speaking with a lawyer for slip and fall can be an important step in protecting your rights and understanding your options.
Falling can result in a devastating injury for an older adult, especially if you have underlying health issues such as osteoporosis, which can make your bones more susceptible to fractures.
In some cases, a fall may result from the negligence of others; for example, the proprietors of a business may have a broken sidewalk outside or fail to notify visitors of a wet spot on the floor.
While you cannot control the actions of others, you can take steps to protect yourself from falling. An assistive device, such as a cane or a walker, can help you feel more steady when ambulating. Your physician can refer you to a physical therapist who will be able to help you choose the right device and instruct you on its proper use.
Be aware of the effects of medications and other substances. Some prescription drugs can cause side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness, either of which can increase your risk of falls.
Even a small amount of alcohol can have a negative effect on your balance, so limit your alcohol consumption or abstain from drinking altogether.
While tobacco use is not directly related to fall risk, it does decrease bone mass, making you more likely to experience a fracture if you do suffer a fall.
It may be tempting to refrain from physical activity in order to minimize the risk of falls. However, staying physically active can actually help prevent falls by keeping your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other joint structures strong and limber.
Your doctor or physical therapist can help you to formulate an appropriate exercise program.
The information in this article is not intended as legal advice but provided for educational purposes only.
Why Consult a Lawyer for Slip and Fall Cases
Slip and fall accidents can be devastating, resulting in serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages that can disrupt your life.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a slip and fall incident, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options.
Consulting with an experienced slip and fall lawyer or fall attorney can make all the difference in your recovery, both physically and financially.
A knowledgeable legal professional will guide you through the legal process, helping you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
In this article, we’ll explore why hiring a slip and fall lawyer is important, the common causes of fall incidents, and practical steps you can take to prevent falls and protect yourself.
Common Causes of Falls
Slip and fall injuries can happen almost anywhere, often when you least expect them.
Many fall injuries are caused by hazardous conditions that property owners or occupiers fail to address in a reasonable and timely manner.
Common causes include wet or oily floors, broken or uneven stairs, loose carpeting, and poorly maintained sidewalks or parking lots.
Inadequate lighting can also make it difficult to see obstacles or changes in floor level, increasing the risk of a slip and fall.
Under Pennsylvania premises liability law, property owners and occupiers owe different duties of care depending on whether a person is an invitee, licensee, or trespasser.
In general, they must take reasonable steps to maintain safe premises and to correct or warn about dangerous conditions they know about, or should know about, through reasonable inspection.
To hold a property owner or occupier liable for a slip and fall, an injured person typically must prove that: (1) the owner or occupier owed a duty of care, (2) that duty was breached, (3) the dangerous condition caused the fall, and (4) the person suffered actual injuries and losses.
Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule can reduce or bar recovery if the injured person is partly at fault for the accident.
An experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney can evaluate the facts of your fall, identify the hazardous condition, analyze issues like notice and comparative negligence, and pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages within the applicable time limits.
Practical Steps to Prevent Falls
Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of slip and fall injuries.
Property owners should regularly inspect their premises, promptly clean up spills, repair damaged flooring, and ensure that walkways are well-lit and free of obstacles.
Installing handrails on stairs and ramps, using non-slip mats in wet areas, and keeping entryways clear during inclement weather are also effective measures.
Individuals can help prevent fall injuries by wearing sturdy, non-slip footwear, paying attention to their surroundings, and using handrails when available.
By working together to maintain safe environments and practicing caution, we can help prevent slip and fall accidents and protect ourselves and others from harm.
What to Do After a Fall
If you experience a slip and fall accident, your immediate priority should be your health and safety.
Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor, as some conditions may not be immediately apparent.
Once you are safe, document the scene by taking photos of the area where the fall occurred and any hazards that contributed to the accident.
Collect witness statements from anyone who saw the fall, and report the incident to the property owner or manager to create an official record.
Finally, consult with a skilled slip and fall lawyer or fall attorney to discuss your legal options.
An experienced legal professional can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Insurance Claims and Negotiation
Dealing with an insurance company after a slip and fall can be challenging, as insurers often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether.
Having an experienced slip and fall lawyer on your side is essential to ensure your rights are protected.
Your attorney will gather evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, to establish liability and build a strong case.
They will handle negotiations with the insurance company, advocating for maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
With a knowledgeable fall lawyer guiding you through the process, you can focus on your recovery while your legal team works to secure the fair compensation you need to move forward.
