Orange County Slip and Fall Lawyer

When Your Worst Fears Are Realized: What to Do After a Slip and Fall

In the aftermath of a slip and fall injury, you may find that you are panicked and in shock over what has occurred. Many people are stunned by how fast these accidents can happen—and just how much damage they can cause in such a short period of time. Sometimes it can be difficult to think with a clear mind, but it is essential for all slip and fall victims to follow a proper course of action when they have been injured. First, you will want to document everything you possibly can. If you are in a grocery store, for instance, and there is a spill that contributed to you losing your balance, then you will want to take a picture of it so there will be documentation.

Since businesses often have a history of quickly fixing problems once they cause an injury, the importance of this step cannot be overestimated. If you are so incapacitated that you cannot take the picture, ask a witness or bystander to do so for you. Gather the names and phone numbers of everyone who witnessed your accident so they can be of assistance to you. Also, seek medical treatment immediately—even if something seems like just a minor ache. When the adrenaline wears off, you may find that a small twinge spirals into something serious. It’s best not to take any chances with your health, and you need the doctor to document what they see right after the incident occurs.

Stats, Facts, and Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has shed light on a frequent cause of falls—inappropriate flooring materials or structural issues with the floor itself. Triggering a whopping two million falls per year, problematic floors have genuinely become a public health hazard in our society. With over one million people a year heading to the emergency room due to slip and fall incidents, it is critical that these victims find a slip and fall lawyer to represent them appropriately. Because the laws can vary from state to state, it’s imperative that those dealing with these crises do not rely solely upon the internet or the advice of friends. Whether it happens at a store or at your workplace—about 85% of workers’ comp claims arise from slip and fall accidents—seeking out the counsel of a lawyer is a necessity.

Types of Injuries

Although every slip and fall accident is different, some common injuries occur. Because people often reach out and try to break their fall as it happens, cuts, bruises and abrasions are all fairly common. Again, a good slip and fall lawyer will want to see pictures of these injuries, so it is crucial to document them right away. Soft tissue injuries are exceedingly common in the wake of these incidents, which is another reason why seeking medical attention is critical.

As anyone who’s experienced even a minor car accident knows, soft tissue injuries can sometimes take weeks or even months to make themselves known. Whiplash can show up out of the blue. In this case, a physician will have the ability to evaluate whether or not an injury will cause a problem for you in the future. Because your slip and fall lawyer will want to see any evaluations from your doctor, it’s essential that you follow the proper protocol. Some of the most severe injuries resulting from these incidents include damage to the spinal cord, as well as head trauma. Although slip and fall accidents may often be used as the punchline in sitcoms, they are indeed no laughing matter.

The Case for Hiring a Slip and Fall Lawyer: Proving Liability

At first glance, it may seem like a slip and fall injury would be easy to prove. But it’s often a very murky area, which is why victims should immediately seek the advice of a qualified attorney. At Rizio Lipinsky Heiting, there is a team that understands how to handle the complexities of these cases. Clients are often impressed with how detailed and methodical their investigations are. Consistently keeping their clients’ best interests in mind, this team excels at communication. Proving negligence, liability or even both can be tough for even experienced attorneys. When you work with Rizio Lipinsky Heiting, you can rest assured that you are being counseled by a highly motivated team that is focused on doing everything they can to help you prove and win your case. This is a group that comprehends how devastating a slip and fall accident can be. Whether it’s interfered with your social life or your ability to make a living, these attorneys believe that you have a right to be compensated for your injuries.

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