Slip and fall injuries can happen anywhere – at a restaurant, your workplace, or even a public park, for example – and cause devastating injuries. Falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits in the U.S., plus occupational slip and fall injuries are one of the primary reasons that people have to miss work.
If you suffered a slip and fall injury in Cheyenne, Olson Personal Injury Lawyers wants to help you get on the road to recovery. We focus on helping accident victims fight for the justice and maximum compensation they’re owed.
As demonstrated by our client testimonials and results from past cases, we have a reputation for helping clients seek outstanding results while also providing them with exceptional customer service.
Olson Personal Injury Lawyers has offices in Cheyenne, plus we’re happy to come to your home or meet wherever is most convenient for you. Your initial consultation is free, and we never charge you unless we help you win money for your case.
To schedule your free slip and fall accident consultation, contact us today by phone or online.
Types of Slip and Fall Injuries
Some of the most common types of injuries caused by slip and fall accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Bruising and lacerations
- Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious head injuries
- Muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries
- Hip fractures
- Spinal cord damage and other serious back and neck injuries
- Shoulder dislocations
- Damage to arms, legs, knees, wrists, and ankles
- Internal bleeding
- Emotional distress
What to Do After a Serious Slip and Fall Accident
There are a few steps you can take to protect your rights after a slip and fall accident:
- Get medical assistance. Your health is the first priority. If you didn’t receive medical attention at the scene of the accident, see a doctor as soon as possible. Many slip and fall injuries don’t become obvious until long after the accident, but your physician can help detect and treat these injuries and reduce the likelihood that they’ll cause long-term damage.
- Gather evidence. Collecting proof of your accident will be critical to your claim. Take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries as soon as possible, since many conditions that cause these types of accidents change quickly.
Write down witnesses’ accounts and get their names, contact information, and copies of any pictures or videos they took. Additionally, request a copy of the medical report from your physician and a copy of the official accident report if the police responded to the incident.
- Contact a trusted Cheyenne slip and fall attorney. Insurers often try to take advantage of victims after accidents by offering them low settlements or trying to blame victims. However, a skilled lawyer can help protect your rights and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Slip and Fall Accident Liability
Liability for slip and fall injuries depends on where the accident occurred and what caused it. These types of accidents often happen at a variety of locations – from workplaces to commercial properties like stores, hotels, and amusement parks to rental homes and municipal properties.
If the accident occurred at a commercial property, then some of the parties that might be liable include:
- The property owner
- The business manager
- A third-party contractor
In the case of slip and fall accidents at apartments or other rental properties, the landlord or property owner might hold responsibility. Local or state municipalities are often liable for accidents at public places like parks and government buildings.
All of these parties have a duty to provide a reasonably safe environment on their property and do their best to protect any legal visitor from hazards. However, they aren’t liable for every accident that happens on their property. In order to recover compensation after a slip and fall accident, you must prove:
- The party you are seeking to hold liable either knew or should have known about the hazard that led to your accident.
- The negligent or reckless party failed to remedy the dangerous condition or take reasonable actions to prevent the hazard.
- Their negligent or reckless actions caused the accident that led to your injuries.
Additionally, you must prove that you were legally on the property. For example, if you were trespassing on the property when you were injured, then you usually can’t hold the property owner or manager responsible for your accident.
However, even if you were on the property legally, you might still hold some responsibility for the accident. If you did something like ignoring warning signs or texting while you were walking, then the courts and insurance companies might decide you were partially responsible for your injuries. In this case, you might still be able to recover compensation, but the courts will likely reduce the amount of money you can receive according to your portion of fault for the accident.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Many dangerous conditions on private and public property can lead to slip and fall accidents. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
- Untreated ice or uncleared snow
- Poor lighting
- Hazards like cracks, unexpected drops, potholes, or other surface damage
- Spilled liquids, splashed oil, rainwater, or recently washed floors
- Failure to regularly maintain or inspect the propertyÂ
- Lack of proper warning signs or failure to block off dangerous areas
- Obstacles in walkways, such as merchandise or debris
- Loose floorboards or torn carpets
- Open desk drawers or cabinets
- Properties not up to building codes
- Failure to use safety measures, such as runner carpets or non-skid materials
- Loose ropes, cords, or wires
- Faulty stair rails or other safety equipment
- Improper staff training
Contact a Cheyenne Slip and Fall Lawyer for Help
If you’ve been injured in a Cheyenne slip and fall accident, contact Olson Personal Injury Lawyers right away to fight for the compensation you deserve. To set up your consultation, contact us today by phone or online.