Slip-and-falls are a silent killer and leading cause of accidental injury. Anyone, at any time, at any place can become victim to these misfortunes. Not surprisingly, after suffering serious injuries from a slip-and-fall accidents in Albuquerque, many people do not care about the process of law but take time to know what one’s rights are and what steps, if any, should be taken.
The Incidence and Significance of Slip and Fall Injuries:
Slip and fall injuries are among the most frequent causes of emergency room visits and in-patient hospitalizations. According to the New Mexico Department of Health, falls are a major risk for older adults and young children. In regard to older adults, slips and falls lead to death from injury and serious medical conditions, such as fractured hips or brain injuries TBI). Meanwhile, children in ages 1-4 often fall because they are not well watched. This fall normally occurs at a place such as one’s home, daycare, or school.
Slip-and-fall accidents can result in serious injuries, such as fractures, spinal cord damage, or TBIs. The impact is not only physical suffering but extends further to lifelong financial and emotional effects on victims and their families. Because such injuries are potentially so severe, it is essential to know who is liable and what are your legal rights.
Why Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in Albuquerque?
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen almost anywhere from supermarkets to shopping centers, community parks to private properties. Let’s take a few typical situations and hazards that commonly become the precursors of such mishaps:
- Wet Floors and Walkways: Liquids from spills, rainwater, or newly mopped surfaces without adequate signs are some common fall hazards. Owners should clean these hazards quickly or put up the appropriate warning notices.
- Clutter and Debris: Merchant’s goods, trash or wires may be hung over walkways that may cause people to trip. Semi-assembled, unstable in-store floor displays become a hazard.
- Broken Floors and Carpets: Sometimes, floors and carpets have problems in them too such as very badly ripped carpets, broken tiles or loose floorboards. One of the hazards that may occur in your stairways is broken handrails.
- Slipping Surfaces Slippery floor surfaces can be particularly slippery, including polished stone or ceramic tile when wet. Highly polished floors also pose a hazard.
- Poor Sidewalks and Potholes Uneven or broken pavement on sidewalks and parking lots is the cause of many falls.
- Insufficient lighting on the parking lot and hallway; poor lights in stairwells may increase the chances of accidents because it is difficult to see clearly and watch out for obstacles.
+Such risks are frequently brought about by the failure of property owners to fulfill their duty of care, which is a legally imposing obligation on a premises owner to make that place safe for its visitors.
Protect Your Rights After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you get injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Albuquerque, taking right steps from day one should make your case much stronger:
- Immediate Medical Attention: Health comes first. Assuming you are okay may hide injuries that are only surface in nature.
- Accident Report: Inform the property owner or manager about the accident and get a report of the incident.
- Document the Scene: Photograph or video record the cause of your fall and injuries. Note anything you think may have contributed to the fall, such as inadequate lighting or a lack of proper warning signs.
- Gather Witness Information: If possible, get contact information from any witnesses. Statements from witnesses may be part of the body of evidence supporting your claim.
- Preserve Evidence: Save any clothes or shoes you wore at the time of the accident; this may come in handy as proof.
- Seek the help of a Premises Liability Lawyer: He can develop and argue your case along with negotiating with different types of insurance companies to get you the most compensation possible.