From their name alone, slip-and-fall accidents do not sound that serious. But every year, more than one million people visit a hospital emergency room due to a slip-and-fall accident. Slip and fall accidents in Virginia may lead to life-altering consequences; it is best to know what causes slips and falls, where they happen the most, what injuries you can sustain and what you will need for your injury claim.
What are the most common reasons for slip-and-fall accidents?
Slip-and-fall accidents often occur due to someone else’s negligence. Common causes of slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Slippery floors due to weather
- Cleaning product spills
- Poorly maintained walkways
- Improper property maintenance
- Construction or building debris
Which businesses cause the most slip-and-fall accidents?
Any company can cause a slip-and-fall accident if they do not take care of their property. However, these types of accidents most commonly occur in the following ways:
- Shopping locations
- Theatres
- Sport events
- Hotels
- Apartment and condo buildings
- Grocery and parking store lots
What are the long-term and short-term injuries associated with slip-and-fall accidents?
Many common types of injuries can occur in slip-and-fall accidents. Some will heal quickly, while other slip-and-fall injuries may cause lifelong medical problems. Examples of common injuries may include:
- Cuts
- Bruises
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Death
What do you have to prove in a legal slip-and-fall case?
If you have sustained an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them. During the lawsuit, you and your legal team must prove that the company’s owners knew about the potentially dangerous condition or should have known about it. You will also need to prove that the owner failed to take steps to warn others or fix the situation.
Slip-and-fall lawsuits have a two-year statute of limitations in Virginia
After an accident, the most critical step is to get any medical treatment you immediately require. If you are planning on seeking additional measures, be aware that any legal decisions you make have a statute of limitations.