Brain Injuries and Slip and Fall Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States and were the number one cause of TBI for individuals ages 5 to 24 years, as well as the leading cause of hospitalizations related to TBI. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),1 the primary cause of TBI across all age groups is accidents involving slips, trips, and falls. Though some people who slip and fall down only suffer a bruise to their ego, others may hit their head on the ground or on another object as they fall. Such direct trauma to the head can cause damage to the brain, which is referred to as a traumatic brain injury.
Slip and falls can cause many different kinds of serious injuries and victims should always receive a complete medical evaluation following a fall to make sure no brain injuries go undiagnosed. Victims should also call an experienced attorney if they believe that another party’s negligence caused or contributed to their fall and resulting injuries.
High slip and fall TBI risk groups
The CDC reports that adults over the age of 65 are at a particularly high risk for suffering TBI from a slip and fall. This high risk exists for many reasons, including that older adults have less control over their balance, especially in the midst of slipping, and therefore may fall and hit their head harder. Additionally, TBI in many older adults may also be accompanied by other serious injuries, such as broken hips, which can make their overall recovery more challenging.
People who work in industrial environments are also at a high risk for slip and fall. Debris, sawdust, glass, and other small objects may cover the floor, causing workers to suddenly lose their balance and fall. Employee injury cases can have unique issues involving workers compensation and other programs, so you always want to discuss your case with an attorney as soon as possible.
Causes of slip and falls leading to TBI
Some of the most common causes of TBI include the following:
- Snowy or icy surfaces
- Wet surfaces
- Slick or greasy flooring
- Loose carpeting
- Surfaces or flooring that is uneven
- Gravel or other loose substances on floors
Debris or objects left in the walkway - Electrical cords left unsecured across a walkway
- Open cabinets or drawers, especially at knee-height
- Dangerous conditions on stairs
There are, of course, many more conditions that may exist that lead to a slip and fall accident.
Premises liability law
If you slip and fall on someone else’s property, that owner may be held liable for your injuries if they acted in a negligent manner. Property owners have the legal duty of care2 to properly and adequately inspect and maintain their properties for potentially dangerous conditions. If a property owner fails to live up to this standard of care and any visitors or customers suffer TBI or other injuries, the owner should be held liable for all of the injured party’s losses.
Proving negligence in premises liability cases3 is not always easy, however, as you must prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition. Fortunately, there are ways of proving that the owner knew or should have known that the premises needed maintenance or repair by carefully investigating the scene of the fall, collecting evidence, gathering witness reports, watching video footage, and more. You always want to make sure you have an attorney handling your case who understands both the nature of slip and fall cases and of cases involving TBI.
Contact an experienced brain injury lawyer in Clearwater for a free consultation
If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury from a slip and fall accident, you deserve to receive full compensation from the responsible party for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more. The experienced team of attorneys at the Dolman Law Group know how to handle premises liability cases involving TBI and will always work for the best possible outcome for you. Please call our office today at 727-451-6900 to discuss a possible case for free.
Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-451-6900
https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/brain-injury-attorneys/
References:
1http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html
2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duty_of_care
3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premises_liability#Premises_liability_case_law_of_the_United_States
