Slip and fall injuries occur daily in Canton, Georgia. Thankfully, most of these types of accidents result in minor injuries—but not always. There are situations where a slip and fall can affect you for years to come because it causes injuries that take a long time to heal fully. In some cases a fall is even severe or potentially deadly.
And falls are not always a simple matter or tripping—there are many situations where your fall is at least partly someone else’s fault. That means you may be able to get money to help with medical bills, lost wages, and more. You need a Canton slip and fall lawyer to evaluate your claim and help you get the financial recovery you deserve.
At John Foy & Associates, we understand how frustrating it can be to suffer from a slip and fall. Many people don’t understand the damage that a fall can cause, so insurance companies may not take your claim seriously. We can help you prove your claim, whether it is through the insurance process or in court. Let us give you a FREE consultation and put over 20 years of experience to work on your case.
Call us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Caused by a Slip and Fall Accident?
You may be surprised at the seriousness of the injuries that a slip and fall accident can cause. While the most common symptoms may not last more than a few days, other more severe damage can result as well. Some of the most common injuries that a slip and fall accident will cause include:
- Soft Tissue Injuries. The most common wounds caused by a slip and fall are soft tissue injuries such as bruising and sprains. However, even soft tissue injuries can cause long-term damage. For example, if you tear a tendon or ligament in your hand, wrist, arm, or leg, that type of injury can take months or even years to heal completely. That kind of damage can force you to take off work and may even compromise your job. Medical bills and related costs are common as well. Severe tears can also be the cause of chronic pain for years into the future.
- Head Injuries. Many falls result in a blow to the head, and even minor head injuries can be considered a medical emergency. Swelling or bleeding of the brain can often result in damage that will affect you for the rest of your life. It is essential to get medical treatment immediately if you suspect a head injury after a fall. Seeking medical attention after an injury will also help your slip and fall claim from a legal standpoint as well.
- Abrasions and Cuts. Most falls will not cause cuts or scrapes, but if you fall on an object instead of the ground, cuts or gashes are more likely to occur. For example, if you trip over an object at the grocery store in Canton, and it sends you flying into a nearby display, that display may end up causing cuts on your hands and face. Wounds to the hips and buttocks are also common after a fall.
- Broken Bones. Bone fractures can occur after a severe fall. Broken bones are more likely to happen if you fall from a height or if you are older. While many people believe that if you can use the limb, then the bone is not broken, this isn’t always true. If you feel a sharp, severe pain after your fall, it’s a good idea to get an X-ray to ensure that you haven’t broken any bones. Failure to address broken bones effectively can result in long-term chronic pain and may even affect your ability to move that particular limb over time.
- Spinal Cord Injuries. Damage to the spinal cord is perhaps the most severe injury you can experience after a slip and fall accident. Damage to the spinal cord occurs when the cord is compressed or severed. They are often life-threatening. If a friend or loved one may have experienced a spinal cord injury, or if you may have one yourself, get emergency medical care immediately. Severe spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis and even death.
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What Are Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries that Would Result in a Legal Claim?
Not every slip and fall incident will result in legal responsibility. Instead, the cause of your fall must have been due, at least in part, to someone else’s carelessness. Slip and fall claims that result in legal liability are often the result of:
- Uneven floor surfaces
- Loose floorboards, rugs, or mats
- Recently cleaned floors that are still wet or slick
- Spilled liquids that have not been cleaned up properly
- Potholes or poor flooring or ground conditions
- Trash or debris on the floor
- Cords that run across areas where customers or clients commonly walk
- Poor lighting that results in an inability to see obstacles
- Failure to have proper handrails
How do I Prove a Slip and Fall Claim in Canton, Georgia?
Georgia law requires that the victim prove certain facts to the court to get money from the defendant. Of course, being able to show these requirements will have a huge impact on whether you can get a settlement from the insurance company, too. You must prove:
- The person (or company) who caused the fall knew about the hazard, or should have known about it; and
- You did not know about the danger even though you were being as careful as someone might expect in the situation.
In other words, as long as you were paying reasonable attention, and there was a hazard you didn’t know about, you have a strong case. And if the person who caused the hazard should have known about it and addressed it, you have a legal right to recover money.
In Georgia, you also have an advantage: you don’t have to prove anything about how careful you were being unless the other party has evidence that you were careless or reckless in some manner. Since this is hard for them to prove in most cases—and since most people aren’t careless with their own safety—you often don’t need to prove this part of your case at all.
Of course, all those “ifs” can be overwhelming. Never go into a slip and fall case on your own. Business owners and insurance companies know how to deny claims—and a good lawyer knows how to fight them. Make sure you have professional legal help on your side.
Talk to a Canton Slip and Fall Lawyer for Free
You don’t have to fight out your claim on your own—and you don’t have to settle for less money than you deserve. Let us help you. John Foy & Associates has over 20 years of experience in slip and fall cases, and we never charge anything unless we get you money. Let us give you a FREE consultation.
Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form