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A slip-and-fall injury occurs when someone trips or falls due to hazardous conditions on another person’s property, leading to injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures.
Have you recently been involved in a slip-and-fall accident?
Contact Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation. Let us fight for justice on your behalf and help you recover from your slip-and-fall accident. Don’t wait; take action now!
Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized in the U.S. because of a fall, often because of a head injury or hip fracture. [1]
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents can occur due to various factors, and they are among the leading causes of injuries in many settings, including workplaces, public spaces, and residential areas.
Here are some common causes of slip-and-fall accidents:
- Wet or Slippery Surfaces: Wet floors, spills, recently mopped areas, or surfaces covered in grease or oil can create hazardous conditions that increase the risk of falling.
- Uneven or Damaged Flooring: Cracked sidewalks, uneven flooring, loose tiles, torn carpets, or damaged walkways can pose tripping hazards and lead to slip-and-fall accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, ice, snow, or frost can make outdoor surfaces slippery and increase the likelihood of slip-and-fall accidents, particularly on sidewalks, parking lots, or stairs.
- Lack of Proper Signage: Failure to provide warning signs or barriers to alert individuals to potential hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or recently waxed floors can contribute to slip-and-fall accidents.
- Inadequate Lighting: Poorly lit areas, dimly lit stairwells, or insufficient lighting in hallways can make it difficult for individuals to see potential hazards and increase the risk of slip-and-fall accidents, especially in low-visibility conditions.
- Improper Footwear: Wearing footwear with worn-out soles, high heels, or inadequate traction on slippery surfaces can increase the risk of slip-and-fall accidents.
- Cluttered Walkways: Obstacles such as cords, cables, boxes, or cluttered walkways can obstruct paths of travel and increase the risk of tripping and falling.
- Lack of Handrails or Guardrails: The absence of handrails or guardrails on stairs, ramps, balconies, or elevated platforms can increase the risk of falls, especially for individuals with mobility issues or balance problems.
- Poorly Maintained Stairs and Steps: Broken or missing handrails, loose or broken steps, inadequate tread depth, or slippery stair surfaces can contribute to slip-and-fall accidents on stairs and steps.
- Age-Related Factors: Older adults may be more susceptible to slip-and-fall accidents due to factors such as reduced balance, diminished vision, slower reaction times, or mobility limitations.
Damages Available for Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Happy Valley, Oregon
In Happy Valley, Oregon, individuals who have been injured in slip-and-fall accidents may be entitled to pursue compensation for various types of damages.
Damages available for fall accidents in Happy Valley, Oregon, may include:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical costs associated with treating injuries sustained in the slip-and-fall accident. This includes expenses such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for wages lost due to missed work time resulting from the slip-and-fall injuries. This includes both past and future lost income if the injuries result in long-term disability or reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the slip-and-fall accident and resulting injuries. Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate the injured individual for the non-economic impact of their injuries.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to compensate the injured person’s spouse for the loss of companionship, intimacy, and support resulting from the injuries sustained in the slip-and-fall accident.
- Disability or Disfigurement: Compensation for any permanent disability, disfigurement, or scarring resulting from the slip-and-fall accident. These damages aim to address the physical and emotional impact of permanent injuries on the injured individual’s quality of life.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for any property damage resulting from the slip-and-fall accident, such as damage to personal belongings or clothing.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct by the liable party, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future. However, punitive damages are relatively rare and are only awarded in exceptional cases.
Specific damages available in a slip-and-fall case may vary depending on the circumstances of the accident, the severity of the injuries, and the laws applicable in Happy Valley, Oregon.
Our personal injury attorneys in Happy Valley can help you understand your legal rights, assess the value of your claim, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
Table of Contents
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Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
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Damages Available for Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Happy Valley, Oregon
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Common Injuries from a Slip-and-Fall Accident
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Statute of Limitations on a Slip-and-Fall Accident in Happy Valley
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Who Can Be Held Liable for a Slip-and-Fall Accident in Happy Valley?
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Why Hire a Slip-and-Fall Attorney in Happy Valley, Oregon?
Happy Valley Practice Areas
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Birth Injury
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Bus Accidents
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Car Accidents
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Dog Bites
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Medical Malpractice
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Motorcycle Accidents
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Personal Injury
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Pedestrian Accidents
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Premises Liability
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Product Liability
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Slip and Falls
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Truck Accidents
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Wrongful Death
Common Injuries from a Slip-and-Fall Accident
Falls can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on factors such as the height of the fall, the surface landed on, and the overall health and age of the individual involved.
- Contusions and bruises
- Cuts and lacerations
- Death (in severe cases)
- Dental injuries
- Dislocations of joints
- Emotional and psychological trauma (anxiety, PTSD)
- Eye injuries
- Facial injuries (cuts, bruises, fractures)
- Fractures (ankle, arm, hip, wrist)
- Head injuries (concussion, traumatic brain injury)
- Hip injuries (fractures, dislocations)
- Internal injuries (organ damage, internal bleeding)
- Knee injuries (ligament tears, meniscus tears, fractures)
- Neck injuries (whiplash, cervical sprains)
- Nerve damage
- Shoulder injuries (dislocations, rotator cuff tears)
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Sprains and strains
One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury. [1]
Statute of Limitations on a Slip-and-Fall Accident in Happy Valley
In Happy Valley, Oregon, the Statute of Limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including those related to slip-and-fall accidents, is typically two years from the date of the accident. This means that individuals who have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Happy Valley generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party or parties.
Failing to file within that time frame may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages through the legal system. [2]
There can be exceptions and nuances to the Statute of Limitations, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. For example, if the injury was not immediately apparent or if the injured party is a minor or incapacitated individual, the Statute of Limitations may be extended.
Our personal injury lawyers can provide guidance on the applicable Statute of Limitations, assess the merits of your case, and help you navigate the legal process to pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Slip-and-Fall Accident in Happy Valley?
In Happy Valley, Oregon, liability for a slip-and-fall accident can fall on various parties depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Some potential parties who may be held liable for a slip-and-fall accident in Happy Valley include:
- Property Owners: Property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a safe condition and to warn visitors of any known hazards. If a property owner fails to address hazardous conditions, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting, and someone is injured as a result, the property owner may be held liable.
- Business Operators: Businesses and commercial establishments have a responsibility to ensure that their premises are safe for customers, employees, and other visitors. If a slip-and-fall accident occurs due to a hazardous condition on the business premises, such as a spill or a poorly maintained walkway, the business operator may be held liable.
- Property Managers: A property manager may bear responsibility for maintaining safe conditions on the premises and addressing any hazards that could lead to slip-and-fall accidents.
- Government Entities: In some cases, slip-and-fall accidents may occur on property owned or maintained by government entities, such as sidewalks, parks, or public buildings. If the government entity was negligent in maintaining the property or failed to address known hazards, it may be held liable for injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents.
- Third Parties: In certain situations, individuals or entities other than the property owner or manager may be responsible for creating or failing to address hazardous conditions that contribute to a slip-and-fall accident. For example, a contractor hired to perform maintenance work or a vendor responsible for cleaning services may be held liable if their actions or negligence caused the accident.
Determining liability in a slip-and-fall accident requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident and the parties involved. Consulting with our knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Happy Valley, Oregon, can help you understand your legal rights and determine who the responsible parties are.
Why Hire a Slip-and-Fall Attorney in Happy Valley, Oregon?
Hiring a slip-and-fall attorney from Goldberg & Loren in Happy Valley, Oregon, can be immensely beneficial for several reasons:
- Legal Expertise: At Goldberg & Loren, our slip-and-fall attorneys possess a deep understanding of personal injury law, including the specific laws and regulations governing slip-and-fall accidents in Happy Valley, Oregon. We can provide invaluable legal guidance and advice tailored to your case.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We have the resources and experience to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your accident. We can gather evidence, interview witnesses, obtain surveillance footage, and assess the extent of your injuries to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Determining Liability: Determining liability in slip-and-fall cases can be complex. At Goldberg & Loren, we can identify all potentially liable parties, such as property owners, business operators, contractors, or government entities, and hold them accountable for their negligence or wrongdoing.
- Maximizing Compensation: At Goldberg & Loren, we are adept at assessing the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. We can work to negotiate with insurance companies and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and damages, both through settlement negotiations and, if necessary, litigation in court.
- Navigating the Legal Process: The legal process can be overwhelming, especially for individuals who are recovering from injuries. At Goldberg & Loren, we can handle all aspects of your case, including paperwork, deadlines, court filings, and legal procedures, allowing you to focus on your recovery with peace of mind.
- Protecting Your Rights: Insurance companies representing the at-fault parties may attempt to minimize or deny your claim. At Goldberg & Loren, we can protect your rights, advocate for your interests, and ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the claims process.
- Trial Representation: If your case proceeds to trial, having a skilled slip-and-fall attorney from Goldberg & Loren by your side can be invaluable. We will represent you in court, present your case effectively to a judge and jury, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Peace of Mind: Hiring our legal team will provide you with the assurance that your case is in capable hands. We will work tirelessly to pursue justice on your behalf and help you navigate the legal challenges associated with your injury claim.
At Goldberg & Loren, We Understand the Challenges You May Face After a Slip-and-Fall Accident.
We are here to provide you with the support, guidance, and representation you need to obtain a favorable outcome. Book a free consultation today!
Sources:
[1] Facts About Falls | Fall Prevention | Injury Center | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html
[2] ORS 131.125 – Time limitations. (n.d.). https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_131.125
We fight hard for our clients who have been victims of a slip and fall accident in Happy Valley, Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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