While many of us are happy to be done with winter and in the full swing of spring, the spring season can come with its own safety hazards. In particular, slip and fall accidents pose a particular danger with the change from the cold of winter to warmer weather in the spring. Continue reading to learn more about the most common slip and fall accidents in the Spring.
Spring-Related Slip and Fall Hazards
Slip and fall accidents are more prevalent in the spring due to the “April showers” that occur during the spring season. Wet weather during spring can cause slip and fall accidents because of:
- The melt of remaining frozen snow and ice from the winter or early spring snowstorms.
- Increasingly muddy surfaces as heavy rain mixes with dirt outside.
- People tracking in water, mud, and plant matter into buildings, which can pose a serious slipping hazard on concrete, tile, or hardwood floors.
When you suffer a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property due to water, mud, or another spring-related slipping hazard, you may be entitled to hold the property or business owner liable for the accident when the owner’s negligence meant that the floor was not cleaned up when it should have been or that you were not warned of the presence of a slipping hazard.
What to Do If You Suffer a Slip and Fall
After you have a slip and fall on someone else property, you can take the following steps to help protect your legal rights and options:
- Report the accident to the property or business owner or manager. If they prepare an accident or incident report, make sure to request a copy
- Take photos or video of the accident scene, including whatever may have caused you to fall along with the lighting conditions, the weather conditions outside, and the presence of any warning signs or other safety equipment.
- Talk to any eyewitnesses to the accident to ask them for their contact information or for a brief statement.
- Preserve or photograph the footwear and clothing you were wearing at the time of the accident.
- Get examined by a doctor as soon as possible to diagnose any injuries you may have suffered in the fall. Remember to follow all treatment recommendations and instructions.
- Finally, make time to speak to a personal injury attorney about your legal rights and options and to discuss what you can do to pursue financial recovery for your injuries.
Read more: Personal Injuries: Who Is Legally Liable?
What Can You Be Compensated for after a Slip and Fall Accident?
When you’ve suffered an injury in a slip and fall accident on another’s property, you may be entitled to seek compensation for losses and expenses that you incur due to your injuries, including for:
- Costs of medical treatment, including visits to the ER, doctor’s appointments, physical or occupational therapy, pain medications, and medical equipment like braces or crutches
- Lost wages or income if you miss time from work while recovering from injuries you suffered in the slip and fall
- Lost earning capacity, if your injuries result in permanent debilitation or disability that impacts your ability to work or earn your regular income
- Lost quality or enjoyment of life from physical scarring or disability
- Pain and suffering from your injuries and treatment
Read more: When Do You Need A Personal Injury Lawyer?
Contact a Haddonfield Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Slip and Fall Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a slip and fall in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at The Law Offices of Andres, Berger & Tran P.C. represent clients injured because of slip and falls in Pennsauken, Voorhees, Lindenwold, Haddon Township, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 795-1444 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 264 Kings Hwy. E., Haddonfield, NJ 08033.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.