Property owners have a duty to keep visitors on their premises safe from harm. This means owners must ensure their buildings and lands are free from dangerous hazards like spills or an ice patch that visitors could slip on and get hurt. An Orland Park slip and fall lawyer at MJB Law Offices could help if you have been injured on someone else’s property.
Our skilled personal injury attorneys could help you file a claim for compensation for your injuries and provide rigorous representation in negotiations with the property owner’s insurance company. Call our law office today to schedule an initial consultation.
Types of Injuries From Slip and Falls
People trip and fall every day from seemingly innocuous things like curbs or uneven sidewalks. These usually result in scraped knees or a little social embarrassment.
In that sense, a slip and fall may not appear to cause serious injuries. However, in some circumstances, there is a risk of severe harm, especially for the elderly and in dangerous environments.
Head and Brain Injuries
A fall puts a person at risk of hitting their head, causing a traumatic brain injury. This can range from a mild concussion to damage to the brain itself. Head injuries from slipping and falling could have long-term effects, such as headaches, trouble sleeping, and mood swings.
Broken Bones and Fractures
An individual’s natural reaction to falling is to brace themselves for impact with their arms and hands, which could lead to broken bones. The severity of a broken arm or wrist greatly depends on several factors, such as the angle of impact and the force applied. Some injuries could require surgery to repair if the break is severe enough.
A knowledgeable Orland Park attorney could provide guidance and legal advice on the following steps to take after a slip and fall.
Common Causes of Slip Hazards
The property owner’s duty of care requires them to take reasonable steps to prevent, fix, or warn visitors of a slipping hazard. Common hazards that could cause visitors to trip include poor lighting and wet or oily spots from leaking liquids.
One way an owner can prevent harm to visitors is to maintain the premises to ensure they are free from slipping hazards. Some risks may not be completely preventable, such as patches of ice during the winter, in which case the owner has a duty to clean or fix them so that they are no longer dangerous. If an owner cannot prevent or fix a hazard, they must warn visitors about it with a sign or verbally.
Failing to take reasonable steps to keep their property safe could be considered negligent, a pivotal factor to prove in a slip and fall case. Whether or not a property owner was negligent is determined by specific facts, and an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Orland Park could help craft a case to say that the owner did not take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe.
Call an Orland Park Attorney After a Slip and Fall Incident
Falling could cause minor bumps and bruises or could result in broken bones. If a slip and fall happens on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Get in touch with an Orland Park slip and fall lawyer at MJB Law Offices to discuss your case and legal options today.
