Fort Wayne Slip and Fall Injury Attorney

Slipping and taking a fall in a public place can be embarrassing. While you may be tempted to laugh off or downplay the situation, the fact is that these types of accidents can have major impacts on your health and your future well-being. As Fort Wayne personal injury attorneys, we know that even a seemingly minor slip and fall can leave you in excruciating pain, requiring the need for ongoing medical treatment and resulting in permanent disabilities.

The Real Reasons Behind Slip and Fall Accidents

The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that slips and falls are among the leading causes of personal injuries throughout the country, resulting in long-term disabilities and even proving fatal for nearly 40,000 people every year. They can occur in familiar places like at home, the workplace, or in school, or they can happen in public places like parks, shopping centers, restaurants, office buildings, hotels, and even hospitals.

Although these situations are commonly considered accidents, the truth is that slips and falls are often the fault of negligent property owners, managers, and employees. Common causes of slip and fall incidents include:

• Wet and slippery floors
• Blocked aisles, walkways, or hallways
• Loose or damaged floorboards or flooring materials
• Uneven or chipped paving stones
• A lack of proper lighting or handrails
• Weather-related hazards

Compensation for Slip and Fall Injuries

Even when a slip and fall seems minor, the force of the fall can result in injuries to soft tissues or to the head, back, or neck, which require ongoing treatment while keeping you from working or engaging in your normal hobbies and activities. Indiana’s premises liability laws place a duty of care on property owners to prevent these types of injuries by providing regular property maintenance and by warning visitors when potentially dangerous conditions exist. When they fail to do so, the negligent party can be held liable for the injuries that result. If you are hurt in a slip, trip, or fall, it is important to take the following actions:

• Report the incident at once so that an accident report can be filed
• Seek medical care for your injuries, even if they appear minor
• Follow all of your doctor’s instructions, including those involving follow-up care and work or activity restrictions

Even if your injuries appear minor, it is important to realize that many potentially serious and even life-threatening conditions have symptoms that can take days or even weeks to appear. Not reporting your accident or acting on your doctor’s recommendations could delay recovery while jeopardizing your rights in a claim. Indiana applies a strict time limit to how long an injured person has to file a claim after an accident or injury, known as the statute of limitations. In most cases, the victim will have only two years to pursue legal action against a negligent party.

Reach Out to Our Fort Wayne Personal Injury Attorneys

As experienced Fort Wayne personal injury attorneys, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and getting you the compensation you need to recover when injuries occur. To learn more about how we may be able to help you after a slip and fall injury, reach out and contact the Bellinger Law Office today to request a consultation.