When you slip and fall on a wet floor, the last thing you expect is to sustain a serious injury. While some people’s pride may be hurt and their tailbone slightly bruised, others can experience life-changing injuries as a result of this negligence. If this reflects your circumstances, you may not know whether you’re entitled to financial compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. Luckily, the following blog can help explore what you must know about these circumstances and how a Monroe, Louisana slip & fall lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
What Are Common Causes of Wet Floors?
Wet floors can be caused by a number of factors. These include, but are by no means limited to, the following:
- Leaky or burst pipes
- Spills
- Weather (individuals walking through a building with wet shoes from the rain)
- Cleaning or mopping
Generally, wet floors can occur anywhere, from retail stores to office buildings. When a floor becomes wet, it is the responsibility of the workers or store owners to remedy the situation. Generally, this is by alerting passersby to the hazard by placing wet floor signs near the spill. They must then remedy the situation promptly.
What Injuries Can I Sustain from a Slip and Fall on a Wet Floor?
Unfortunately, there are several injuries one can sustain when they slip and fall on a wet floor. Generally, broken bones, lacerations, contusions, and sprains are extremely common. However, it’s important to understand that head and traumatic brain injuries are common. This is because many hit their head on the ground when they fall, which can cause lasting damage. In some instances, depending on the location of the wet floor, someone who slips can hit their head twice in one fall – once on the way down, if they are near stairs or a counter, and again when their head contacts the floor.
What Rights Do I Have?
If you have sustained an injury following a slip and fall, it’s imperative to understand your rights in these moments. Generally, you’ll first need to understand that you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think your injuries are that severe, it’s important to establish medical care if you plan on fighting for compensation. Additionally, you should take photos and videos of the scene, if you are physically able to. This can be used as evidence later on.
Finally, you’ll want to connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Unfortunately, you may find that trying to navigate a personal injury lawsuit on your own can be incredibly complex. As such, working with a lawyer allows someone with experience to handle these matters so you can focus on healing.
When you need legal help, the team at Breithaupt, DuBos, & Wolleson, LLC is ready to fight for you. We understand how devastating these injuries can be, which is why we are dedicated to fighting for your best interest. Connect with our team today to learn how we can fight for you.