BLOG NUMBER 5.19
There isn’t a single agency that tracks slip and fall incidents across the United States. However, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has recorded information for specific groups. For instance, falls at work kill more than 600 people each year, and injure another 212,760. More than 2.5 million older Americans are injured by falls every year, and 25,500 more are injured. Of course, this doesn’t even touch on the rest of the population- the CDC has no comprehensive statistics. In any case, it’s clear that slip and fall injuries are practically an epidemic in the United States, and businesses are at an especially high risk for litigation.
What’s Involved in a Claim
An expert witness in snow removal is often called upon to prove that a case has merit. Plaintiffs may request reparations on a wide array of fronts including some of the following:
- Medical Expenses
- Ongoing Medical Care
- Pain and Suffering
- Lost Wages
- Loss of Quality of Life
- Permanent Impairment
- Disfigurement
Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Incidents
Certain types of injuries are common when people slip on the ice. They include:
- Back Injuries
- Broken Ankles
- Broken Teeth
- Concussions
- Elbow Injuries
- Facial Injuries
- Hip Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Wrist Fractures
How Much is Each Piece Worth?
The amount that a court can award a plaintiff will vary by jurisdiction, though it will largely be determined by the seriousness of the injury. The jury may also consider whether they believe the defendant is was willfully negligent or simply overlooked the issue. For instance, a man with a broken wrist may receive around $50,000 after slipping on the ice at a Safeway grocery store. Another man who fractured his elbow at a Shell gas station asked for $50,000 as well, though he settled out of court for an undisclosed sum before the case went to trial. Of course, these are seemingly minor injuries. Had the plaintiffs suffered a serious injury which resulted in permanent disability or death, their claims could have easily been hundreds of thousands of dollars, or even into the millions.
How to Defend Yourself in a Slip and Fall Case
The best possible defense against a premises liability claim is to ensure your land is hazard-free. A snow removal consulting firm can give pointers before an incident to help keep the area safe and protect a business against lawsuits. Should one ever occur, having a track record for safety, as well as an expert on your side can go a long way towards proving the facts..
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