The CDC reports that slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of unintentional injuries in the United States each year. While slip and falls usually affect older adults, anyone can become a slip and fall victim when properties aren’t properly maintained.
A slip and fall accident lawyer serving Worthington with Bressman Law can help you recover compensation so you can get your life back on track.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries
When a property owner doesn’t take proper care to maintain a property and remove or correct known hazards, a slip and fall can happen. Types of hazards that may lead to a slip and fall include spilled liquids or substances, objects and debris, uneven walking surfaces, broken stairs, falling objects, snow or ice, torn carpet, potholes/broken roads or sidewalks, and a lack of handrails.
These common causes of slip and fall injuries listed above often lead to injuries. Injuries may be as minor as a twisted ankle or as severe as a traumatic brain injury depending upon the angle and impact of the fall. Elderly adults are more at risk for breaking bones, whereas children who slip and fall are more likely to experience head trauma.
For a free legal consultation with a slip and fall accident attorney in Worthington, call (614) 538-1116
Where Can a Slip and Fall Happen?
A slip and fall can happen anywhere hazardous conditions exist. Potential slip and fall locations include the following.
- Private properties, such as a homes or apartment complexes
- Business properties or retail stores
- Grocery stores
- Business complexes
- Parks or other public places
- Sidewalks or streets
- Parking lots
The party held liable for the injury depends on where the injury occurred. For example, a slip and fall injury that occurs in a public park may result in a municipality being held liable, whereas a slip and fall that happens in a grocery store’s parking lot may result in the grocery store being held liable. Commercial, private, and public property owners may all be held liable for slip and fall injuries.
Worthington Slip and Fall Accident Attorney (614) 538-1116
What Do I Have to Prove to Recover Compensation for My Injuries?
Recovering compensation for a slip and fall injury isn’t as simple as just filing a claim against the property owner of the property where the injury occurred. Instead, you’ll have to prove that the property owner acted negligently. Proving negligence means that you have to prove that the property owner knew of the hazard that caused your injury but failed to take action to correct it. What’s more, you’ll have to prove that your injuries were caused by the slip and fall alone, not another accident.
In Ohio, you’ll also have to prove that you were on the property lawfully. Property owners do not have the same duty to trespassers as they do to invitees (those who are invited onto the property) or licensees (those who have a legal right to be on the property).
The only duty owed to trespassers in Ohio is that a property owner doesn’t cause willful or malicious harm to the trespasser. This is not true if the trespasser is a child, in which case the child is fully protected under premises liability, assuming the property where the slip and fall occurs is a located in a place where children are likely to trespass (Ohio Code 2305.402 (D)(a)).
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Recoverable Damages in Worthington Slip and Fall Cases
Slip and fall accidents can come with a hefty price tag. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accidental falls cost an alarming $50 billion in health care costs alone each year. When our slip and fall accident lawyer takes your case, we are committed to ensuring the best possible outcome for you.
Economic damages we can seek may include:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Past, current, and future loss of income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Treatment-related travel expenses
- Property damage or total loss
Non-economic damages may include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Physical disability
- Physical disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If a loved one passed away in a slip and fall accident, we can help your family recover the costs of their final arrangements. Additionally, we can seek compensation for your loss of their financial contributions, companionship, and guidance.
We Can Help You Comply With Ohio’s Statute of Limitations
It is never too soon after a slip and fall accident to put us to work on your case. The sooner we get started, the better because it gives us time to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation. We also have the opportunity to interview witnesses while their memories are vivid.
Early involvement also means we can ensure compliance with the relevant statute of limitations. Accordingly:
- You generally have up to two years from the date of your fall to file your personal injury lawsuit, according to Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10.
- You generally have up to two years from the date of a loved one’s fall-related demise to file a wrongful death lawsuit, according to Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02.
Some slip and fall accident cases are settled without the time and expenses of a trial. If settlement negotiations do not yield a fair offer, though, we can file a lawsuit and even represent you in a trial if needed.
By filing your lawsuit on time, we ensure you do not inadvertently relinquish the right to pursue the liable party in court.
Previous Clients Attest to Our Client-Focused Approach
At Bressman Law, outstanding client support is our service hallmark. When previous clients tell friends and family about our legal service and support, they say the following:
- Russell Reynolds: “The Bressman Law Firm is the go-to firm that I refer clients to who are injured in the Columbus, Ohio area. I have worked with their attorneys and seen firsthand their superhero approach to fighting for and protecting their client’s rights to damages. I highly recommend them!”
- Rico Carter: “They were extremely personable, & professional. They guided me in the right direction to get the most for my settlement. I would highly recommend that anyone go with David & his team to get the results that you want!!”
Read more reviews like these on our client testimonials page and in our Google reviews to learn more about how hard our team fights for every client we represent.
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Contact a Slip and Fall Attorney Serving Worthington Today
To learn more about slip and fall injuries and why they fall under premises liability law, take a look at our premises liability webpage. At Bressman Law, our slip and fall attorneys serving Worthington can help determine the cause of your slip and fall injury and who should be held liable. Because the statute of limitations for slip and fall claims is two years, we encourage you to take action now. If you’re ready to learn more about Ohio personal injury laws, call us today.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
