Slip and Fall Accident at Hospital Starts Chain Reaction of Pain

Over 8 million people are injured in slip and fall injuries each year. When people have a trip and fall or slip and fall accident, the full extent of their injuries may not be readily apparent. Despite the immediate injuries that are known, they can sometimes start a terrible chain reaction that can leave the injured person devastated.

That is what happened to one former Somerset County man resident. The man is suing Somerset Hospital for a
slip-and-fall injury that left him permanently disabled and ultimately cost him his wife.

The man initially went to the hospital to get help for some foot pain he was experiencing when he slipped in a puddle of water carelessly left on the floor by a hospital employee.

The fall left him with serious injuries that limit his range of motion, cause severe pain and have resulted in the inability to continue working as a professional engineer and surveyor since he can no longer handle equipment or complete field work.

Even more devastating, the loss of mobility caused him to drop his wife, who eventually died due to injuries she sustained from that fall.

His sad case illustrates just how serious the injuries from a slip and fall accident can be.

Basics of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents arise under a theory called
premises liability. It is the responsibility of all property owners to make sure that their properties are free of any dangers or safety hazards. As soon as they become aware of a hazard, property owners have a duty to take appropriate precautions to correct the problem. If they neglect to do so and someone is injured because of that danger, the property owner may be held liable.

On commercial properties such as restaurants and hospitals, a property owner may be held liable if an employee doesn’t take proper steps to remedy the situation. In the case of Somerset Hospital, even if an employee didn’t have time to immediately mop up the puddle, a sign warning people of the hazard would have been appropriate. Because of the hospital staff’s failure to address the situation, they may be held liable for the injuries that resulted.

There are many different types of hazards that can lead to a slip and fall accident. Common slip and fall situations include:

  • Slippery floors due to recent mopping, waxing or polishing as well as spills
  • Torn or bulging areas of carpet that serve as tripping hazards
  • Worn or rounded stairs
  • Icy sidewalks and accumulation of snow
  • Obstacles, such as extension cords or equipment left in a pathway

Slip and fall injuries can be severe, especially if the person is older or the surface that they fall on is a hard surface. Common injuries include:

  • Bruises and torn ligaments
  • Head injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal cord injuries

If an injury is the result of negligence, it is important to hold the responsible party accountable. An injured person will need compensation to cover their losses, including medical bills, lost wages from an inability to work and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one is injured in a slip-and-fall accident it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced Philadelphia personal injury firm with a strong track record of aggressively representing their clients interests will be able to review your case and discuss your legal rights and the remedies available.