Whether a person owns commercial or residential property, property owners owe a duty of care to anyone who may use or access the property. A property owner or landlord who fails to fix a defect or warn someone of a hidden risk can be grounds for a slip and fall claim. This could result in the injured party being compensated for their medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-incurred costs. If you were recently injured on another person’s property, our Holland slip and fall accident attorneys are here to evaluate your case and determine your eligibility to recoup damages.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Property owners have a duty to keep their property free of dangers. By failing to adhere to their legal obligation, they make individuals susceptible to devastating injuries, some of which include:
Spinal Cord Injuries
When we refer to someone falling, it is usually assumed that they were on a ladder or from some height. However, slips, trips, and falls on the same level contribute to about 20% of all fall-induced spinal cord injuries. When a slip and fall fractures or dislocates vertebrae, a spinal cord injury may result. Common symptoms of a spinal cord injury include weakness, numbness, or tingling in the extremities, paralysis below the site of injury, loss of bladder or bowel control, and problems regulating body temperature (known as autonomic dysfunction).
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Each year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized due to complications following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Any strike, bump, or blow to the head can cause disruption to normal brain function, resulting in a TBI. Falls account for almost half of TBIs, with more than 25% of adults over the age of 65 experiencing a fall at some point.
Fractures
A fall can cause hip, wrist, and ankle fractures, with more severe falls potentially causing a shoulder dislocation or pelvic fracture. Healing from a broken bone is a multi-step process, which should not be rushed to ensure a faster recovery. Realistically, most of us do not have the luxury of being unable to take weeks off from work. On top of all this, some fractures, such as displaced fractures, typically require surgery, while other fractures often require physical therapy to fully heal.
Recovering the Entirety of Your Injuries
A property owner who fails to uphold their duty to those who may use the premises will be responsible for paying the injured party’s damages. In a slip and fall case, damages can include economic or non-economic losses. Economic damages are any losses that have a financial component, often including:
- Lost wages
- Ambulance ride
- Emergency room care
- Medical imaging
- Surgeries and procedures
- Prescription costs
- Physical therapy and other rehabilitative therapies
- Home modifications
In contrast, non-economic damages are any intangible losses that impede a person’s ability to live a full life. While these damages do not have a financial impact, they are no less harmful. In a slip and fall case, noneconomic damages often include:
- Pain and suffering
- Infliction of emotional distress
- Loss of companionship and society
- Humiliation
- Damage to reputation
- Inconvenience
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
In scenarios in which a slip and fall causes more serious injuries, the injured person may be able to recoup future lost wages and medical expenses. If you are interested in learning your eligibility for compensation or if you qualify for future damages, you should speak with one of our Holland slip and fall attorneys today.
Holland Slip and Fall Attorneys Ensuring Justice is Served
A slip and fall can have a devastating impact on a person’s life, resulting in physical, financial, and emotional damage. When your injuries were caused by another person’s negligence, you should be compensated for the full extent of your losses. At HGSK Injury Lawyers, our Holland slip and fall lawyers are dedicated to helping injured individuals recover the amount they need to put the incident behind them.
To learn more about our services or to arrange your free consultation, our office can be reached online or by calling (267) 551-8782.