Slip and fall accidents are serious public safety concerns throughout the state of Connecticut. In fact, these accidents result in tens of thousands of injuries in the state every year.
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident in Connecticut that was caused by negligence or a property owner or occupier, it’s possible to recover compensation. While this is true, it’s important to understand that proving negligence in these cases can be challenging. That’s why it is best to reach out to our slip and fall accident lawyers at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers to discuss your case. Our team will review the facts you have and gather additional evidence to ensure the liable party is held responsible. Our goal is to ensure accident victims recover the maximum amount of compensation possible for their injuries and losses that occurred due to a slip and fall incident.
Along with contacting our legal team for assistance, it’s important to know where slip and fall incidents are most likely to occur. There are some locations where these incidents are seen more often than others. Keep reading to learn what they are.
Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes
Elderly individuals are at a high risk of falling due to the natural aging process. Unfortunately, this also means that many slip and fall accidents occur in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Along with the natural aging process, there are some residents who may have medical conditions that make them more susceptible to a fall, as well.
While some accidents are just that, others are due to the facility not providing the proper walking supports or railings. They may also be due to slippery floors or hazards left in hallways and rooms. When an elderly person slips and falls, the injuries they sustain are usually much worse than a younger person in good health. Because of this, it is imperative that staff members at these facilities take additional steps to prevent these accidents.
Sidewalks
Many sidewalks have uneven surfaces. A broken sidewalk with cracks, slippery surfaces, or surfaces that are slanted poses serious hazards to anyone who uses them. It’s the responsibility of property owners to ensure sidewalks are in good repair. Failure to do this may result in someone who slips and falls suing them for damages.
Swimming Pools
Walking surfaces and water around swimming pools create the “perfect storm” for a slip and fall accident. Surfaces close to the pool are often slippery because of the water that is splashed on them. A person may fall next to a pool as they are getting in or out of the water or as they are just walking by.
It’s important to note that since an obvious hazard of walking near swimming pools is water, proving that a slip and fall accident and injury are the faults of the property owner is more challenging. In this situation, it is even more important to reach out to experienced slip and fall accident lawyers for assistance with your claim.
Stairways
Stairs are often dangerous due to the design. If the steps are overly narrow, then someone going up or down them may not be able to navigate them safely. Additionally, issues like broken railings can make it impossible for someone to regain their balance as they use the stairs. If this happens, the likelihood of them falling is increased significantly.
Apartment Complexes
Apartment complexes may pose several different slip and fall hazards. Examples of areas where these incidents may occur include community spaces, stairs, sidewalks, and parking lots. It’s up to the owner or manager to ensure these areas are kept in good repair with proper lighting and that they meet safety standards.
Decks
The finish that is used for a deck may create a slip and fall hazard. Also, when the boards used for the construction of the deck start to decay or if they are uneven, someone may trip and fall. All these are issues that should be remedied by the property owner and that can lead to serious accidents and injuries to those on the property.
Amusement Parks
Believe it or not, amusement parks pose a serious risk for slip and fall accidents. The disorientation that visitors may have after getting off a fast ride or they may not see a hazard as they rush to get to a ride can both result in slips, trips, and falls. Even trying to navigate through crowded spaces can result in a slip and fall accident. There are other situations where spills or other debris may result in someone slipping or tripping and falling while visiting an amusement park.
Parking Lots
Slip, trip, and fall accidents are commonly seen in parking lots. They are often caused by poor lighting and uneven pavement. In some cases, cracks that have developed in the pavement can cause these accidents, too. If repairs are not made in a timely manner, it may be the property owner or manager that is responsible for the incident and injuries.
Resorts, Casinos, and Hotels
If someone goes to a hotel, it isn’t uncommon for them to use an elevator or revolving door. They are also in a new and unfamiliar space with others who are in the same situation. Resorts and hotels often have slick flooring, too. Leaks and spills may also create additional fall risks for those in these properties.
Escalators and Elevators
In some situations, elevator doors will shut so quickly that someone falls. A sudden jolt that occurs in an elevator or while on an escalator may cause a person to lose their balance, as well. Additionally, someone may become tangled as they go up and down an escalator. All these accidents can result in serious harm to the individual.
Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents
As you can see, a slip and fall accident may happen almost anywhere. It doesn’t matter where you are or what you are doing, you may become a victim. While there are many types of injuries that can result from these accidents, some are more common than others. The most common types of injuries that occur in a slip and fall accident include:
Broken Bones
The force created when you slip and fall can easily break bones. This is especially the case with the elderly. One of the most dangerous fractures is to the hip, because of the complications that can occur. Other broken bones that are seen in a slip and fall accident include the collarbone, shoulder, rib cage, arms, and legs.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A slip and fall may also result in fractured vertebrae, pinched nerves, herniated discs, and more. These are usually debilitating and long-term injuries.
Neck Injuries
A neck injury can be caused by spinal cord damage or due to damage to the tendons, ligaments, or muscles in the neck. Many people experience whiplash in a slip and fall incident, too, due to the jerking movement their neck makes when they fall.
Concussions
When it comes to slip and fall accidents, concussions are most common if a person’s head hits the ground when they fall. However, it can also occur due to violent shaking.
Other TBIs
While all types of TBIs are considered serious, concussions are the “mildest” type. Some of the other TBIs that may occur because of a slip and fall accident include:
- Diffuse axonal injury
- Subdural, intracerebral, or epidural hematoma
- Coup-contrecoup injuries
- Subarachnoid or intraventricular hemorrhage
- Linear, depressed, or basilar skull fractures
Serious Lacerations and Cuts
Sharp metal, broken glass, falling on debris, and other objects can result in serious lacerations and cuts in a slip and fall accident. These injuries may require sutures or stitches and can cause damage to the muscles, nerves, and other soft tissue.
Ankle or Knee Injuries
It’s very possible to twist an ankle or knee during a slip and fall accident. The severity depends on the situation.
Contact Our Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers for Assistance
If you are the victim of a slip and fall accident, our slip and fall accident lawyers at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers are here to help. We can review the facts of your case and help you recover the compensation you deserve. We have represented thousands of clients and helped them recover the compensation they deserve. We will provide you with the same expertise and resources. Get in touch today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
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