A slip and fall accident can occur nearly anywhere, often resulting from unsafe or poorly maintained conditions. It’s likely no surprise that these types of accidents are some of the most common. Injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious sprains and strains, and can require medical treatment.
Getting the care you need, however, may come with a hefty price tag – and in some cases, a lengthy recovery period.
If you or a loved one suffered extensive injuries on someone else’s property, you may be a good candidate for compensation. Our Charleston slip and fall lawyers can help you navigate the legal process in the aftermath of a slip and fall injury, working hard on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve.
Keep reading to discover which slip and fall injuries could lead to a possible claim, and to find out how Hoffman Law Firm can help!
What is a Slip and Fall Accident?
Slip and fall accidents can happen at any location, from grocery stores and parking garages to restaurants and neighbors’ homes. These types of accidents may occur due to one of these reasons:
- Wet floors (following a spill or recent mopping)
- Inadequate lighting
- Damaged or missing handrails
- Uneven or broken steps
- Poorly maintained sidewalks or broken pavement
- Trip hazards, such as loose cords or wires
To file a slip-and-fall claim in South Carolina, your Charleston slip-and-fall lawyer must prove that someone else’s negligence is to blame for your injuries.
How to Prove Negligence in a Slip and Fall Incident
In a slip and fall case, the negligent party who caused you to fall and get hurt can be held responsible for your losses. The proof of negligence is based on the status of the liable party, depending on whether they were a landowner, third party, etc.
Components of Negligence
No matter who you are pursuing a claim against, your slip and fall lawyer in Charleston is tasked with proving the following factors of negligence:
- The presence of a dangerous condition on the property
- The owner knew, or should have known, about the hazard
- The owner failed to correct the problem or notify others of potential harm
- Someone got injured as a result of the danger
Eyewitness statements, video surveillance footage, and photographic evidence of the hazard are additional forms of evidence that can help strengthen your claim – and if successful, get you the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Proving a property owner’s negligence can be a challenging feat, especially without the help of an experienced slip and fall attorney near you. That’s why we recommend trusting a member of our team to gather evidence and build your case.
Sprains, Strains, and Other Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall injuries can vary in severity, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. From broken bones to soft tissue injuries, here are some of the most common slip and fall accident injuries:
Soft Tissue injuries
Soft tissue injuries affect the body’s ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Along with cuts and bruises, these injuries are common consequences of a slip and fall. While they are less severe than a fractured bone or brain injury, they can still cause intense pain and long-lasting impacts, like permanent tissue damage.
Broken Bones or Fractures
Depending on the accident, a bone may break or fracture. Whether it be a broken wrist or a fractured leg, these injuries may require surgery or physical therapy to recover.
Spinal Cord or Other Back Injuries
One of the most common – and most damaging – injuries in a slip and fall accident are those affecting the back and spinal cord. Injuries to the spinal cord can include fractured vertebrae, herniated discs, and more – and are considered catastrophic if they permanently alter someone’s lifestyle.
Head Injuries
These injuries occur when the head comes in contact with a hard surface, potentially causing traumatic brain injuries or concussions. Ranging from a mild headache to seizures or even comas, head injuries are incredibly serious and require immediate medical attention.
Sprains and Strains
While falling, you may abruptly twist parts of your body into unnatural positions in an attempt to lessen the impact. This may cause sprained ligaments or strained muscles, most typically in the ankles and wrists, that lead to pain, swelling, limited mobility or discomfort – even while performing basic, everyday activities.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Slip and Fall Accident?
With the help of your slip and fall lawyer at Hoffman Law Firm, you could receive compensation for various types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Long term financial effects
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
An experienced Charleston personal injury attorney can offer the legal advice needed to maximize the damages you receive.
Contact Hoffman Law Firm for Help with Your Slip and Fall Injury Claim
A seemingly minor slip and fall on a wet floor may have devastating long-term effects on your mental and physical health. But a slip and fall due to someone else’s negligence should never leave you holding the bill.
Proving negligence can be challenging, but remember, our team is here by your side. Rest assured that our highly qualified team of personal injury lawyers won’t shy away from a challenge, and we are here to help in any way we can.
Located in Charleston, South Carolina, Hoffman Law Firm supports accident victims throughout the Palmetto State. With extensive experience handling a wide variety of personal injury cases, we have established a reputation for success – and exceptional service too!
To meet with a member of our team, schedule your free consultation today.
Our personal injury law firm offers trusted legal representation right here in the Lowcountry, including these practice areas:
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