Slips and falls are some of the most dangerous freak accidents one can ever experience. Regardless of the severity of the injury obtained, they can cause extreme trauma to anyone, especially among seniors.

Have you been injured in a slip and fall accident? Under Michigan law, you must file your personal injury claim within three years from the time of your injury. If the symptoms of your fall injuries were delayed, then you can file your claim within three years from discovery.

In this article, we talk about some common slip and fall injuries, what fall victims need to do when they get injured from a slip and fall accident, and what rights they have against the liable party. If you have other questions about your slip and fall injuries, contact a personal injury attorney in your area for a free consultation. The Clark Law Office is the name to remember in Michigan.

Common Types of Slip and Fall Injuries

From head injuries to broken bones, fall injuries range from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries suffered by slip and fall accident victims are the following:

  • Head injuries: Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury, according to a report by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Traumatic brain injuries are serious injuries caused by a serious blow or bump to the head, leading to brain injuries. Some of the symptoms of a TBI are slurred speech, lack of balance, and dizziness.
  • Broken bones: Among the common slip and fall injuries are broken bone and bone fractures. Immediate symptoms of a broken bones include sudden and sharp pain, difficulty moving, and inflammation. Hip fractures are common among older adults.
  • Back and spine injuries: Spinal cord injuries are often debilitating injuries that require immediate medical attention and long-term recovery. In the most severe cases, spinal injuries lead to paralysis of the lower limbs (paraplegia) or paralysis of the arms and legs (quadriplegia). A common symptom of back injuries is persistent and chronic pain.
  • Soft tissue injuries: Bruises, torn ligaments, sprains, and bumps are common injuries from slip and fall accidents. Bruises are often minor and are unfortunately overlooked. Torn ligaments are major injuries that can affect one’s quality of life if not addressed immediately. Common symptoms of soft tissue damage are swelling, pain in the affected area, and inability to move normally. Get medical attention immediately and follow your doctor’s advice, such as getting an x-ray or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • Cuts and abrasions: If you slip and fall on a hard surface, you will likely incur bruises, cuts, and abrasions. These injuries are often mild. However, there may be times when they require stitches. These lacerations may be normal and negligible but they are concrete proof that you had a slip and fall accident. That said, ensure that you get checked by a medical professional, even if your injuries are mere cuts and abrasions.

Leading Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

The most common injuries from fall accidents are often due to the following:

What Do You Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

If you or a loved one had a slip and fall accident, the first thing to do is to seek medical attention immediately. Get checked by a doctor, even if you think your injuries are minor. Any injury that’s left untreated can worsen, which could be problematic if you try to file a personal injury claim for it.

Next, report what happened to you to the owner of the premises. It could be the store owner, resort manager, landlord, etc. Get a copy of the incident report if they create one.

Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including all angles. Find out if there are witnesses who saw your fall. Get their names and contact details.

Write down what you experienced from your own perspective. Start from what happened before the accident and include what you did after, including if you sought medical help.

Do not give any statements to the insurance company of the store, building, or establishment. Instead, get in touch with your personal injury attorney.

When Should You Settle, and When Should You File a Lawsuit?

Choosing between settling a claim and filing a lawsuit can be tricky. If you obtain life-changing injuries that can permanently alter the quality of your life, the best choice is to file a lawsuit. That way, you can also claim punitive damages and moral damages if there was evident bad faith, as well as other non-economic damages. Although a trial can take a long time, if the judge decides in your favor, you’d have an opportunity to get maximum compensation.

The ideal way to do it is to have a personal injury lawyer help you deal with the insurance company. Your lawyer will investigate what happened and calculate your damages based on the circumstances of your case. If you incur a serious injury or something that impairs a person’s mobility, your attorney would negotiate for higher compensation with the insurance company.

How Much Compensation Can a Slip and Fall Accident Victim Get?

You are entitled to financial compensation for all the actual expenses you incurred as a result of the accident. This includes medical expenses for your physical injuries, including professional fees, medical costs for procedures, and physical therapy. Unlike in other personal injury cases, there is no limit on the amount of compensation a slip and fall victim can get.

The amount of compensation increases if the injuries you sustained are long-term, debilitating, or have disabled you from work or living a normal life.

The Clark Law Office Can Assist You in Michigan

Your trusted slip and fall injury lawyers from The Clark Law Office are here to help you from thoroughly investigating your case to proving your case before the judge or jury. With our knowledge of personal injury law, we can help bring justice to you or your loved one who may have been injured or died due to a slip and fall accident. Contact our Lansing personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.

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