Slip and falls are some of the most common accidents in the United States and can have serious consequences for their victims. Taking time off from your work and home life to recover can be costly and emotionally overwhelming for you and your family.
Filing a lawsuit against a negligent individual or business for your slip and fall accident can seem daunting, but an experienced slip and fall lawyer can help you navigate this process. The attorneys at Thistle Law can answer your slip and fall questions, and to start, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 things you need to know about slip and fall accidents.
1. Slip and Falls Are the Leading Cause of Injury for All Ages
Slip and falls are the most dangerous for those aged 65 and up, with over one-third of those over 65 being injured by a fall every year. But slip and fall accidents are also the most common injury for every age group, except for those between the ages of 10 and 24, when it is the second most common cause of non-fatal injuries.
2. Over 1 Million People a Year Seek Treatment for a Slip and Fall Accident
You may be surprised to learn that over 1 million people go to the emergency room every year for a slip and fall accident. That means that nearly 3000 people a day are visiting the ER for a slip and fall in the United States alone.
3. The Average Slip and Fall Costs More Than $30,000
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the average cost of treatment for a slip and fall is more than $30,000. Over $50 billion dollars is spent annually in the United States on treatment for injuries sustained in non-fatal falls.
4. Fractures Occur in 5% of People Who Fall
Bone fractures are the most serious consequence of falling. Bone fractures not only cause severe pain but can greatly increase your recovery time. This means more time being unable to work or take care of household duties.
5. Slip and Fall Victims Miss 11 Days of Work on Average
That means most slip and fall victims are missing out on two weeks worth of wages on average. Recovering these lost wages will be part of your claim if you decide to file a suit for damages.
6. Just Because You File a Lawsuit Doesn’t Mean You Will Go to Trial
You may hesitate to file a lawsuit if you are worried about the possibility of a long and drawn-out court case. But the Bureau of Justice has found that only 3 percent of personal injury cases go to trial, so the chances of going before a jury are very low. Anytime you are filing a lawsuit, you can always decide to settle the case to avoid a trial, and an experienced attorney can help guide you through that decision.
7. Most Slip and Fall Accidents Are Avoidable
You may also hesitate to bring a lawsuit because you understand that accidents happen, and you feel the accident might have been unavoidable. But if a business or individual was negligent in keeping their property safe, then it becomes a public health problem. Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Labor detail how to keep workplaces safe, and if these guidelines are not followed, it is important to hold that business accountable so that others avoid being injured in the future.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With Your Slip and Fall Claim
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you determine how much your case is worth, and help you decide when to settle out of court with the other party.
Recovering from a slip and fall is stressful and time-consuming, but you don’t need to do it alone. The attorneys at Thistle Law are compassionate and knowledgeable about personal injury claims and can help you gather the evidence you need to prove your case. Contact our office for a free consultation today by calling 215-525-6824 or by filling out this form.