Losing your balance and suffering a serious fall injury can happen in a flash. One minute, you are walking on your way, and the next, you may be left with an uncertain prognosis and facing a lengthy rehabilitation. If you have been injured in a slip and fall, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. The York, SC slip and fall lawyers at Hunter & Everage are committed to going the distance for you when you have been hurt by someone else’s carelessness.
An Overview of Slip and Fall Incidents
You are not vulnerable to a fall only when at home. Anytime that you leave home, you put your well-being in the hands of someone else who is responsible for maintaining the area over which you walk.
Falls are one of the most common causes of injuries throughout the United States. Each year, millions of people seek emergency room treatment for injuries suffered in a fall.
Do not think a fall accident was your fault. A fall can be entirely preventable when everyone, including you, uses ordinary care.
Just because falls are a common occurrence does not mean they are minor. The sudden and violent movement of a fall, combined with the risk of hitting a part of your body against a hard surface, could leave you with serious injuries. You may be left dealing with substantial financial consequences, along with an insurance company that does not want to pay you.
Common Slip and Fall Accident Injuries
Any type of fall accident injury can result in time missed from work and substantial medical bills.
Even soft tissue injuries can leave lasting effects and require extensive time to treat. Your injuries can be even more severe when they affect your head or spinal cord.
Common slip and fall accident injuries include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Bruising and hematomas
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Hip injuries are among the most common fractures suffered in a slip and fall accident. Especially for older adults, hip injuries can be life-threatening. You may never fully recover from a broken hip, eventually possibly needing a hip replacement.
What Are Some of the Most Common Ways Slip and Fall Accidents and Injuries Occur in York County, South Carolina?
All it takes is one bad step over a treacherous surface to cause a serious fall that can leave you with lasting injuries. The property owner does not always pay close attention or reasonably maintain their premises.
The following can cause serious fall injuries:
- Debris or equipment left on a walking path
- Broken or cracked flooring
- Water and moisture tracked inside
- Loose strings on carpet
- Broken or missing handrails
- Broken concrete
- Uneven flooring
- Inadequate lighting
- Extension cords running across the floor
When you walk over a surface, you are not expected to look down at the floor to avoid a fall. It is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain their premises so you do not have to worry about these hazards.
Are Slip and Fall and Premises Liability Claims the Same Thing?
Slip and fall accidents are a subset of the larger area called premises liability law. They operate from the standpoint that a property owner, or someone who is in control of the property, owes you a duty of care when they invite you onto their property. These cases rely on many of the same legal principles, such as the requirement that you must prove the responsible party was negligent.
Filing a Case for Slip and Fall Injuries in York County
There are two ways you can obtain compensation for a slip and fall accident in York County:
- You can file a claim against the responsible party’s insurance coverage
- You can file a lawsuit directly against the responsible party in court
Many people opt to begin with the insurance company because it can be a quicker way to resolve the case. However, insurance companies are self-interested when it comes to slip and fall claims, as they are routinely presented with these types of claims. Regardless of whether or not their policyholder was to blame, the insurance company is going to go into damage control and self-preservation mode when they are dealing with your claim and may deny your claim unless you present them with extremely compelling evidence otherwise.
The Challenges of Filing a Slip and Fall Claim in York, SC
Like any personal injury claim, the insurance company will make your life harder when you file a slip and fall claim or lawsuit. You may face the following challenges with your slip and fall claim:
- There may not have been any witnesses who saw your fall, leaving you to obtain evidence in other ways
- The insurance company is going to minimize the extent of your injuries, claiming that it was “just a fall”
- You may find yourself blamed for your fall, with the insurance company claiming that you were careless yourself, bearing part or all of the blame
The best way to deal with these challenges is to turn to an experienced slip and fall accident attorney who can combat the insurance company and deal with them on your behalf. Getting legal help not only gives you a better chance of winning your case in the first place, but it also can assist in maximizing your damages.
Contact a York, SC Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today
One of the first calls that you should make after a slip and fall accident injury is to an experienced attorney who can handle your case. Hunter & Everage has represented numerous injured accident victims in York and the Rock Hill area, always fighting to get top dollar for your damages. You must schedule a free initial consultation as soon as possible. To speak with an attorney, you can message us through our website or call us today at 704-377-9157.