Reno Slip and Fall Attorney
Slip and fall accidents are shockingly common. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), more than 1 million hospital visits are the result of this type of accident every year across the United States.
While a significant percentage of slip and fall accidents affect people over the age of 65 — an estimated one in three people in that group will experience a fall every year — they are also a leading cause of workplace injuries. These types of injury incidents are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims, and more than one in five slip and fall injuries require employees to miss more than a month of work.
No matter where your slip and fall injury occurred, if it was the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to seek compensation to cover your medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and more. Our firm, the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp, can help. A Reno slip and fall lawyer is ready and waiting to represent you at the negotiation table and in court. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do to help you in your time of need.
Top Causes of Slips and Falls
While age is the most common factor behind these falls, it is far from the only reason why so many occur each year. One of the main factors that give way to premises liability cases like these is unaddressed or unmarked hazards in public spaces that lead to people of all ages losing their footing and suffering a serious injury. Some examples of these oversights include:
- Uneven sidewalks and flooring
- Spilled food and drink
- Loose carpeting, mats, rugs, etc.
- Bulging or uneven carpeting
- Loose floorboards
- Cracks or potholes
- Wet floors
- Exposed wiring
- Missing handrails
- Inadequate lighting
No matter the specific cause of your slip and fall accident, if it was caused by a hazard that reasonably should have been addressed by the person or group in charge of maintaining that space, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover damages. When you meet with a Reno slip and fall lawyer in our office, we’ll carefully review any compiled evidence in your case and advise you on what legal options are available to you for free.
Where Do Fall Accidents Occur
Some of the most common locations where these slips and falls in Reno occur include:
- Parking garages
- Casinos
- Shopping malls
- Restaurants
- Grocery stores
- Amusement parks
- Swimming pools
- Sports stadiums
- Apartment complexes
- Hotels
- Escalators and elevators
- Nursing homes
- Construction sites
An experienced slip and fall attorney in Reno can help you navigate the legal process and understand the best steps you can take.
Common Injuries Fall Victims Suffer
Slip and fall accidents can lead to a number of different injuries. The most common injury caused in these incidents is hip injuries — this is in large part because of the prevalence of this type of accident among older people. However, there are a wide range of impact-based injuries that a victim could suffer, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Dislocated joints
- Sprains
- Bruising and other soft tissue injuries
These accidents can also lead to death in the most extreme cases. This is most common with people aged 75 years and up, who, according to the NFSI data shared above, account for 60% of all slip and fall-related fatalities.
While it may be rare, it doesn’t make it any less serious or tragic. Any serious injury caused by someone else’s negligence deserves legal attention — you shouldn’t be on the hook for your medical bills or other costs because someone forgot to take care of a dangerous hazard in a public space.
How a Reno Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help You Prove Liability for Your Injuries
Like with any lawsuit, often the most complicated part of the process is often proving who can be held liable for damages. There needs to be a proven breach of duty of care to maintain a safe environment by an employee, property owner, or other responsible party. Additionally, you need to be able to demonstrate that the accident directly caused your injuries and suffering. Proving this can feel overwhelming, which is why it’s so important to work with a law firm you can trust.
At the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp, we know what it takes to fight for and win cases in the courtroom and at the negotiation table. With more than 30 years of experience, any Reno slip and fall lawyer on our team is ready to support you throughout the legal process and work to secure the maximum compensation possible.
Give us a call to discuss your case with a member of our firm, or send us the details of your situation through our online form so we can schedule a free case evaluation between you and one of our firm’s attorneys today.