Wet Floor Caused Woman to Trip and Fall
This trip and fall accident settled for $800,000 as part of a structured settlement.
A 40-year-old woman who slipped in a puddle of water at a local mall sustained herniated disks in her low back. The injuries sustained ultimately required surgery for the victim. Mr. Buky and Mr. Sokoloff were able to obtain a settlement in the amount of $525,000 (present value) for the woman at mediation. Paid out over a structured settlement, this would yield nearly $800,000.00.
What are the common causes of trip and fall accidents?
Attorney Elliot Sokoloff explains some of the most common causes of trip and fall accidents in the video below.
Video Transcript
There are several. There could be transient circumstances such as a wet floor, a dangerous condition that was caused that should have been cleaned up., even placing a display item in the middle of an isle with no way to go around but bumping into it. There could be a structural defect such as a broken walkway. It could also be a crack in the road that caught your foot. There are other examples such as a leaky skylight that has caused water to fall down and made a marble floor in a mall slippery. There are many more but you should always consult with your counsel so that a proper investigation is done as quickly as possible.
What is the definition of a slip and fall accident?
Slip and fall is a personal injury claim that results from a person slipping and falling. Wikipedia defines it as a tort and it is based on a claim that the property owner was negligent in allowing some dangerous condition to exist that led to the fall.
What is the difference between trip and fall and slip and fall?
A slip and fall is caused by wetness or slippery substances on the ground, such as water on stairs, round objects like beads on the floor or spilled items. General injuries associated with slip and fall accidents include neck injuries, back injuries and hip injuries.
Trip and fall accidents are caused by uneven surfaces or objects that initiate a stumble, such as items on the floor and uneven sidewalks. Some injuries associated with trip and fall accidents include hand/arm fractures, knee injuries and elbow injuries.
How to prevent slip and fall accidents
There are a number of things that building owners, facility managers and property owners can do to prevent slip and fall accidents. Good housekeeping is critical, so make sure that the premises are always properly maintained and that cleaning and maintenance responsibilities are assigned to relevant people. Reduce wet or slippery surfaces on floors, in parking lots and on sidewalks surrounding your building. Invest in proper lighting, avoid unnecessary obstacles in corridors, entranceways, stairwells and walkways and be sure to conduct periodic inspections. Contact Sokoloff & Weinstein today for more information.
