Accidents happen when you least expect them, and one common incident that frequently results in serious injuries is a slip and fall. From private residences to restaurants and shopping malls, these accidents not only cause medical issues but also a tangle of legal red tape—especially when another party is at fault.
Among the various injuries created by slip and fall accidents are neck injuries. These are some of the most debilitating and life-altering medical conditions. Asking for guidance from a knowledgeable Philadelphia personal injury attorney is essential to understanding what steps to take if you suffer such an injury and need rightful compensation to cover medical bills and other losses.
Common Types of Slip and Fall Neck Injuries .jpg)
Numerous locations pose a risk for a fall, particularly slick floors, broken stairs, and uneven surfaces. The following are common types of neck injuries that often happen as a result:
- Whiplash
- Sprains and strains
- Cervical fractures
- Herniated discs
- Nerve damage
Regardless of what type of neck injury you suffer, there’s still a life-altering impact, requiring weeks or even months of recovery.
What to Do If You Suffer a Neck Injury in a Slip and Fall Accident
First and foremost, you have to focus on health. Even if you don’t think your neck injury is severe, don’t hesitate to get prompt medical attention. Some neck injuries might not exhibit symptoms immediately but can worsen over time if left untreated.
If a person, business, or property manager was negligent in maintaining a safe environment, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim. So it’s important to take the following steps to protect your rights and possible compensation.
Document the Accident
If possible, document the accident scene by taking photos of the location and any hazardous conditions that may have contributed to your fall. This can serve as valuable evidence to support your claim.
Gather Witness Information
If there were any witnesses to your fall, collect their contact information. Eyewitness accounts are crucial when establishing liability.
Report the Accident
Inform the property owner, manager, or relevant authority on the premises about the slip and fall accident. This creates an official record of the incident and helps ensure corrective actions are taken to prevent future accidents.
Consult with an Attorney
Request a consultation with Heslin Law Firm to discuss your legal options. We’ll guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you seek compensation for your damages.
In addition, there are several things to avoid after a slip and fall, such as:
- Leaving the scene without obtaining evidence
- Providing a recorded statement to the insurance company
- Waiting too long to take legal action
As your trusted legal counsel, we’ll help guide you in the right direction to reinforce the validity of your claim.
Recovering Slip and Fall Accident Damages
To establish liability for a slip and fall accident in Philadelphia, you must prove the property owner, manager, or even a municipality was negligent. This involves demonstrating that they knew or should have known about a hazardous condition, failed to address it, and this negligence directly caused your neck injury.
Suffering a slip and fall neck injury can result in a range of damages, both physical and financial. An experienced slip and fall attorney will assess the unique circumstances of your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court, if necessary, to secure the maximum compensation possible. Here are some examples of economic and non-economic damages often recovered in slip and fall accidents.
Medical Expenses
Neck injuries frequently require costly and ongoing medical treatments, such as hospital bills, surgeries, ongoing rehabilitation, and prescription medications. These expenses are overwhelming, but our skilled legal team can help you secure compensation for these expenses.
Lost Wages
Neck injuries can lead to time away from work, causing a loss of income. Your attorney helps you seek compensation for past and future lost earnings.
Pain and Suffering
Neck injuries cause additional consequences such as chronic physical pain and emotional suffering, which results in a diminished quality of life. Your legal team assesses the impact of these potential losses to ensure your settlement accounts for them.
Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs
While your initial medical expenses may be outlined, it’s challenging to determine how much ongoing rehabilitation and physical therapy you’ll require for a full recovery. These expenses add up quickly. Your slip and fall attorney examines the facts to ensure you’re compensated for these costs as well.
Property Damage
If your personal belongings, such as your phone or glasses, were damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to financial recovery for their repair or replacement.