You decide to eat our one night at a local diner. Just a typical night with the family. Everyone leaves full, happy, and above all, unharmed. At the same time, an employee finishes mopping the floor, but doesn’t leave a wet floor sign. Because the sign isn’t visible, you unknowing continue over the mopped area, resulting in you slipping, falling, and injuring your back and neck. Receive the compensation you deserve by calling Portland Personal Injury Attorneys and let them find you a professional. From the initial claims to negotiating and collecting a settlement, a well trained lawyer will be with you every step of the way.
The Law
Under Oregon law, every property owner had the responsibility to keep guests safe at all times. Slip-and-fall incidents are the most popular violations of said law, and result in numerous fall-related injuries each year. In a slip-and-fall accident, a person must prove either a) defendant caused the dangerous conditions, or b) knew about it and did nothing, or c) should have known about it and did nothing.
Quick Statistics: Slip-and-Fall Incidents
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 18,000 adults die from fall-related incidents every year
- In 2009, approximately 2.2 million older adults were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms for nonfatal fall injuries, and 581,000 required hospitalization.
- On average, about 8,000 children are treated in U.S. emergency rooms for fall-related injuries every year.
- Injuries can range from small cuts and bruises, to broken bones and even traumatic brain damage.
If the cause of the fall is because of the negligence of the company or under their control, the victim(s) may seek compensation for the damage done.
Common Causes of Falls
- Broken Stairs – Improper installation of faulty design can partial or total collapse of the staircase, resulting in personal and property damage.
- Slippery Floors – A common fall reason, usually caused by failure to warn guests of wet surfaces.
- Uneven Floors – If the floor is uneven, it can be hard or even dangerous to navigate. Injuries resulting from these are purely the responsibility of the property owner, and victims may seek rightful compensation.
- Workplace Injuries – If a workplace is unsafe in anyway, the employees have a right to request that the supervisor fix the problems. If a slip or fall results from failure to do so, compensation can be sought.
A Final Word
While falls can create havoc in one’s life, it is important to seek compensation for what you went through. Medical expenses are becoming increasingly higher, and what better way to take away some of the pain then to realize that all of the bills are paid. Eliminate stress by calling Portland Personal Injury Attorneys when you or a loved one is involved in a fall. A professional and well-trained lawyer will be referred to you that will make sure you understand the legal process every step of the way, as well as help you settle for the highest amount possible in your situation.