This post addresses the most common causes of slips, trips and falls in the context of a North Carolina Personal injury case. The Bishop Law Firm represents slip, trip and fall accident victims in North Carolina, and we do not get paid unless you win your case. Give us a call at (919) 615-3095 or start your free case review now.
North Carolina Slips, Trips & Falls – How do they happen?
Slips, trips and falls can occur in any environment, on any surface, and under a multitude of circumstances. Most commonly, slips occur when floors or other walking surfaces become slick due to wet or oily substances. Trips and falls occur most frequently where a floor or walking surface is uneven. For example, an injured person can fall into holes, stumble over depressions in the ground, or trip down uneven stairs.
A floor or walking surface can become dangerous grounds for a slip, trip or fall through the negligence of another person or the property owner. If the slip occurs in a grocery store aisle because of an oily substance left on the floor, it is likely that an employee for the grocery store failed to clean up the spill promptly. If a person falls in a hole while walking in the park, it is likely that the park maintenance failed to properly post warnings to alert the victim of the hole’s presence.
However, slips, trips and falls can occur because of the negligence of the injured party. If a person is staring at their cell phone and stumbles over a blatant object in their path, this person will not be able to recover on their fall case due to contributory negligence. If a person is running in a store, ignores a “wet floor” sign, and subsequently slips, that person will not be able to be compensated because they also contributed to their own injury.
According to the National Floor Safety Institute , fall accidents account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits and slips account for over 1 million emergency room visits. In fact, one out of five falls cause serious injury such as broken bones, and are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury.
In addition to the physical injuries, a slip, trip or fall can cause the injured person to become afraid of falling – resulting in a reluctance to participate in daily activities and isolation from important social networks. Finally, it is estimated that slip, trip and fall injuries result in an average of 11 days away from work.
Contacting a North Carolina Slip and Fall Lawyer may be your best chance at recovering for your fall injury.
North Carolina Slip and Fall Lawyer
Have you been injured because of a North Carolina slip, trip, or fall that was not your fault? If the property owner failed to make you (the lawful visitor) aware of the dangerous condition and that unsafe condition was the cause of your fall injury, you may have a personal injury case (premises liability claim).
If so, you may be able to recover your medical expenses , lost wages, and for the pain & suffering you have endured as a result of the accident and/or your physical injuries. In order to be compensated, a victim needs medical evidence and more: medical treatment with medical bills, verification of missed time from work from their employer, photos, etc.
However, if you fell and were hurt at work, you may have a NC Workers’ Compensation case instead of a NC Personal Injury case. Worker’s Compensation cases are governed by the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). If you were hurt at work read NC Workers’ Compensation Benefits.
North Carolina Slip and Fall cases can be difficult to win. The insurance company may deny that the property owner was negligent in maintaining their property or that you as the visitor should have seen and avoided the danger. In addition, it can be difficulty to find out who the insurance carrier is without filing a premises liability lawsuit.
A North Carolina slip and fall lawyer can help you understand, pursue, and maximize the compensation you may be entitled to receive from a premises liability case.
The Bishop Law Firm provides free case reviews for individuals who have sustained physical, mental, financial, and/or emotional injuries as a result of North Carolina slips, trips, and falls.
We represent injury victims in Raleigh , Durham , Rocky Mount , Wilson , Smithfield , Louisburg , Chapel Hill , Roanoke Rapids, Cary, Fayetteville, and beyond in North Carolina. Call us at (919) 615-3095 for a free case review.
Also read North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer