Ten Slip & Fall Accident Statistics in Louisiana

Most of the time, slip and fall accidents can be avoided. However, the following statistics show just how serious these injuries can be:

• According to the National Floor Safety Institute, over one million people are treated at emergency rooms across the United States due to slip and fall injuries each year.
• In slip and fall cases, a person has a 5% chance at breaking or fracturing bones, and in about 20% of those cases the injuries are even more severe.
• The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published that flooring and flooring materials directly contribute to over two million slip and fall injuries annually.
• Although elderly populations are more at risk of falling and injuring themselves, slip and fall accidents are common among all age groups. Around one-third of adults aged 65 and older fall each year. Those who are 55 and older are more likely to be injured at their jobs, while about 60% of nursing home residents suffer from fall-related injuries.
• Brain trauma is one of the leading injuries when it comes to slip and fall accidents and roughly 95% of hip fractures are due to falls.
• Slip and fall injuries put people out of work for an average of 11 days.
• The cost of a slip and fall accident can be tens of thousands of dollars. According to the CDC, the average cost of a hospital visit for slip and fall injuries is over $30,000. During winter, the average cost of falls due to snow or ice can go up to $48,000.
• Clearly, slip and fall accidents are not cheap! They cost Americans over $30 billion a year.
• In addition to minor and serious injuries, around six thousand lives are lost annually due to falls.
• When it comes to accidental falls, people hesitate to take legal action. Less than 2% of cases go to a jury trial. Don’t let this happen to you! If your fall was related to negligence, a dangerous condition, or a hazard, be sure to claim compensation.

Slip and fall accidents can have lasting physical and financial consequences. They can be avoided if individuals and businesses take the time and money to keep their property safe and well-maintained. Serious injury and loss due to negligence can devastate families.

Slip & Fall Causes

Whether you’re in a commercial or residential building, there are hazards to be aware of that can contribute to slip and fall accidents. These include:

• Floors that are wet or slippery
• Newly polished floors
• Carpets that do not lay flat, carpets that bunch, or carpets that have curled up edges
• Uneven flooring
• Cracked tiles
• Stairs that are broken or damaged
• Obstacles on walkways

Although most people are aware and cautious of hazards when outside of their homes, even minor slip and falls can cause injury or harm.

It’s important to be aware of your surroundings wherever you go, but if you’re involved in an unfortunate fall, be sure to note whether or not the fall could have been avoided. If someone has been negligent, you’re entitled to compensation.

Slip & Fall Accident Due to Landlord Negligence

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most commonly filed types of claims in civil court. When it comes to navigating the legal world of slip and fall accidents, it’s important to have experience on your side.

The slip and fall attorneys at Breaux Law Firm have successfully litigated many premise liability cases due to negligence. When it comes to injuries due to negligence, there are a few things attorneys must establish, such as:

• Whether or not the property owner was aware or should have been aware of the dangerous condition or hazard and whether they attempted to fix the issue. If the owner was aware of the hazard and failed to remedy it before an incident occurred, then there is negligence.
• Whether or not the property owner caused the hazardous condition. For instance, if items were left in a walkway or if regular maintenance was not performed, the property owner could be at fault.

However, not every slip and fall case in New Orleans or Louisiana results in only one party being found at fault.

Louisiana’s comparative negligence law, the concept of “comparative negligence” can limit your compensation if you’re found to be partially at fault. The most common argument for the injured party’s “comparative negligence” in a slip and fall case is the argument that the hazardous condition was “open and obvious” from the perspective of the injured person.

If You’ve Been in a Slip & Fall Accident in New Orleans

If someone suffers a fall and slip accident, victims must have to prove the property owner’s liability for strengthening the claim.

If you find yourself in an unfortunate slip and fall accident, take the following steps to ensure your well-being and rightful compensation:

• First, seek medical attention. Even if you believe a fall is minor, medical attention is extremely important to establish the extent of an injury and what parts of your body have been injured. When it comes to slip and fall accidents, brain trauma, spinal injury, and hip fractures are common and can lead to prolonged harm if not treated immediately.
• Ensure that you follow your doctor’s advice and treatment recommendations.
• Report the incident to the property manager or owner.
• Make sure you inspect the scene of the accident to look for immediate hazards that could have been avoided. For example, if you slipped on a wet floor, was there a sign indicating that the floor was wet?
• If you can, take photographs or video of the area right after the accident to make sure you have evidence.
• If there are people around who witnessed the fall, gather their contact information and their account of the incident.
• If you can, preserve the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident.
• Lastly, get in touch with Breaux Law Firm to consult with our slip and fall lawyers. so we can help you navigate your claim.

Compensation and Settlements

When it comes to claims, the amount makes a difference. Although every incident is unique and there is no standard method to insurance payouts, there are several factors that can affect slip and fall compensation, such as:

• The extent of injuries sustained during the accident.
• Medical bills that one has already incurred, as well as future bills.
• The extent of suffering, both mental and physical, that someone has endured due to injury.
• The amount of money or wages lost due to injury.
• The inability to work due to injury.
• The severity of the injury and whether it will have long-lasting effects.

Some victims are entitled to tens of thousands of dollars, while others have gone on to win millions of dollars in settlement. Many slip and fall accident cases are dealt with outside of court, which makes the process quicker and less expensive.