(Newswire.net — August 17, 2017) — Accidents happen all the time. And while the very nature of an accident is characterized by the fact that there is no malicious intent involved, that doesn’t mean no one is at fault. Negligence is often a major factor.
The Alarming Frequency of Slip and Fall Accidents
You might assume that slip and fall accidents only occur among elderly individuals, but that’s far from the truth. When you study the numbers, it’s clear that slip and falls are common across the board. Here are a few statistics from the National Floor Safety Institute:
- Each year, falls account for more than 8 million emergency room visits, which makes it the leading category for all emergency room visits (21.3 percent).
- Bone fractures are the most commonly reported injuries associated with falls, happening in an estimated 5 percent of all cases.
- Slip and fall accidents are the primary cause of missed days at work (in the injury category). Roughly 22 percent of these incidents result in the employee missing 31 days or more from work.
- 85 percent of worker’s compensation claims are attributed to slipping on slick floors.
- Totally injuries due to slips and falls in the U.S. come to roughly $13-$14 million per year.
This is just a small snapshot of a larger problem – a problem that needs to receive more attention from individuals, companies, legal groups, and the medical community.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
While you hopefully won’t ever find yourself in a position where you’re injured as the result of a slip and fall, statistics show that you’re facing increased risk – especially as you age. Having said that, here are some things you should do if you find yourself in a compromising situation.
1. See the Right Medical Professionals
The very first thing you should do is get the medical care you need. If you believe that you’ve hurt your back or neck, avoid moving until the proper healthcare professionals are on the scene. If you’re fine to move but still have pain, it’s probably worth a visit to your doctor or the nearest emergency room to make sure everything is okay.
2. Report the Accident and Gather Evidence
Slip and fall accidents come down to facts, evidence, and statements. The more evidence you can gather, the more likely it is that you’ll have a successful outcome should you decide to press charges or seek damages.
“Take photos of where you suffered the slip and fall as well as photos of your injuries,” attorney David E. Gordon suggests. “Get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses. Keep any clothes you were wearing that day. Hold on to all medical bills and proof of other slip and fall-related expenses.”
3. Meet With an Attorney
Once you’re in the right care and have properly reported the incident, you need to turn your attention towards getting the help you need. While you may want to assume you’ll be properly cared for by the system, the fact of the matter is that many slip and fall victims are marginalized. It’s smart to meet with a qualified attorney in your area to ensure your best interests are advocated for.
4. Focus on Recovery
Finally, let your attorneys worry about the legal issues. All of your energy should be poured into healing and regaining your mobility. This is the most important thing.
Safety Should be a Bigger Focus
It’s clear that safety needs to be a bigger priority in our country. Not only do businesses and homeowners need to make sure their property is safe, but individuals need to be more cognizant of their surroundings. Safety is a group effort and you have to do your part.