Slip and Fall Attorney in Muskegon, Michigan

Some people can walk off the pain of tripping as if nothing’s happened, while others suffer more severe injuries. Slipping and tripping may not immediately seem dangerous, but these accidents can cause fractures, especially of the hip, head, neck, and back injuries, as well as damage to elbows or knees. According to the CDC, over one million people suffer from slip and fall accidents each year, over 17,000 of which die due to their injuries. Many slip and fall accidents are job-related, 15 percent to be exact. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, then it’s best to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Who’s at Risk for Slips, Trips, and Falls

Anyone can slip, trip, or fall; although, those over the age of 65 are more at risk. The National Floor Safety Institute states that one out three people over the age of 65 experience a fall each year, causing fatalities for those over the age of 75. However, they also note that floors and flooring materials contribute directly to over 2 million fall injuries per year, so although the elderly have a higher chance of getting hurt, anyone can fall. Many people slip and fall on ice in Michigan, especially on black ice outside of commercial property. Stairs, escalators, wet floors, pools, debris, and damaged property, such as sidewalks, are also offenders that can cause a person to fall. These accidents can occur in malls, homes, restaurants, stadiums, parking lots, among other places. Those in certain industries are more at risk than others as well. Slip and fall injuries account for over 50% of critical injuries in the trucking industry. This is due to ramps or slip-resistant surfaces. In fact, 15% of slip and fall injuries are work-related.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Falling can result in broken bones or head injuries. Head injuries have a big impact on the elderly, especially if they’re taking medication. They should see a doctor immediately if they’ve hit their head during or as the result of a fall. People who fall onto their knees, which can cause dislocation or tears. Even minor injuries can result in things like headaches, swelling, bruising, pain, and dizziness.

Slip and Fall Claim

In Michigan, you have three years from the time of your slip and fall injury to file a claim. When you slip and fall on another person or company’s property, your first goal should be to protect yourself by gathering evidence. Take pictures of the area from a variety of angles. If there were witnesses, collect their names and phone numbers. Notify the property owner or an authoritative employee on the premises, fill out an incident report, and seek medical attention. A person needs to prove that their slip and fall injury was due to no fault of their own. One example of this is demonstrating that the property owner or agents created or failed to correct dangerous property conditions, such as a lack of appropriate handrails on stairs, potholes, etc.

Slip and Fall Lawyers in Michigan

Also called premise liability accidents, slip and fall lawyers help their clients receive compensation for their injuries by establishing fault for their claim. This requires examining the area and documenting any lost income due to the injuries. Slip and fall payouts in Michigan are dependent on injuries, lost wages, etc. The average settlement for slip and fall cases, in general, is between $15,000 and $45,000.

When it comes to the complicated process of filing a claim and proving fault, you should consider contacting your local slip and fall lawyers in Michigan. Shafer Swartz PLC is experienced in slip and fall cases. The firm has collected more money for injured clients than any other in the community. Shafer Swartz PLC has over 40 years of combined experience. Contact us today to learn more.