Injuries from an Avoidable Fall

 Posted on April 08, 2016 in Personal Injury

Big cities can present several different dangers—busy streets, heavy traffic volume, people rushing to their next destination, construction sites dotted through neighborhoods. Pedestrians are at a very high risk of injury from erratic drivers, dangerous intersections, and falling debris from buildings that have code violations.

However, what happens when you slip, trip and fall in a situation which was preventable—one in which a building owner should have been aware? You may have a legal case to pursue.

Over 700,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often resulting in a head injury or hip fracture. If you have fallen and suffered an injury, retaining a personal injury attorney is a crucial first step to make. If your legal team can prove a solid claim, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries.

Proving the Circumstances Causing Injury

Simply presenting an injury with no proof of how it happened will not be sufficient in the eyes of the law. In Illinois, a personal injury victim must unequivocally prove what caused the injury and when and how long the offending circumstance prevailed.

To increase your chances of a successful legal claim, there must be something about the property, such a defect or a foreign object or substance, that caused your fall. Common examples of hazardous conditions may include the following:

• Slippery marble floored lobbies with water accumulation;
• Uneven/cracked concrete pavements/sidewalks;
• Faulty stairway bannisters;
• Damaged car park lighting;
• Ice formation; and
• Unguarded heights.

How Did the Hazardous Condition Get There and How Long Was it There?

This secondary component is important because it begs the question of whether the plaintiff has to prove that the defendant knew, or reasonably should have known, of the presence of the hazard, unless it was created by the activities or business operations of the defendant.

A Compassionate Attorney

To file a claim, it must be timely. In Illinois, a claim must be within two years of the injury. Often, a seemingly minor injury may progress into something more troubling. Do not downgrade your symptoms. Complications may occur down the line which can require significant medical attention. Consider meeting with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss in depth the merits of your case. A successful plaintiff may be able to recover compensation for the defendant’s negligence which may encompass money for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering.

Based in DuPage County, Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices is the team with a dedicated practice area on slip and fall accidents—a knowledgeable team to have on your side. Contact our skilled DuPage County personal injury lawyers today to schedule a free assessment of your case.