Experienced Portland Maine Slip and Fall Lawyers
Portland Maine Slip and Fall Attorney
Find out why we are some of the best Portland Maine slip and fall lawyers
What is a Slip and Fall Accident?
Slip and fall accidents are a common occurrence and can happen to anyone.
Such accidents happen when people lose their balance, trip, slip, or fall over due to slippery or hazardous surfaces.
These types of accidents can happen almost anywhere, from public sidewalks to private properties, and can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, sprains, and even head injuries.
Slip and fall accidents can be caused by various factors:
- Icy Sidewalks
- Loose Carpets
- Missing Handrails
- Poor Lighting
- Uneven Stairs or Surfaces
- Wet Floors
It is the responsibility of the property and business owner or manager to ensure that their premises are free of hazards that can cause slip and fall accidents.
If someone is injured in a slip and fall accident due to someone else’s negligence, they may be entitled to compensation for the damages they have suffered.
Slip and fall lawyers from Goldberg & Loren are available today to assist with filing a personal injury claim. [1]
What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
After a slip and fall accident, it’s important to take certain steps that can help care for your health and protect your legal rights.
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel like you haven’t been seriously injured.
Report the accident to the property owner or manager as soon as possible and ask them to record it in an accident book.
Take photos and videos of the location of the accident and any hazards present, like icy patches or wet floors, if possible.
Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident and take detailed notes of their statements. Avoid discussing fault or apologizing to anyone, including the property manager or owner after the accident.
Keep track of all medical bills, medical records, and doctor’s visits, which can be helpful for insurance claims or legal cases.
Speak with an attorney for legal advice to evaluate options to go about making a personal injury claim and possibly getting compensated for your damages.
Once an attorney has been engaged, they will work to gather evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate a fair settlement for their client.
Taking prompt action after a slip-and-fall accident can go a long way in proving the elements of an injury claim and helping you get the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are not just minor incidents that involve a bruised ego and a scraped knee. They pose real and serious dangers that can cause significant physical, emotional, and financial harm.
A slip and fall can be incredibly disorienting, leaving victims in shock as they try to process what just happened. Unfortunately, these accidents can also lead to devastating injuries such as ligament damage, concussions, fractures, and even paralysis.
Even if the initial pain seems minor, it is important to seek medical attention immediately following a slip and fall accident to rule out any potential complications or hidden injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) refer to damage caused to the brain due to an external force, such as a blow, jolt, or bump to the head. Symptoms of TBI can range from mild, such as a brief loss of consciousness or headache, to severe, such as prolonged unconsciousness, memory loss, or permanent brain damage. TBI can have long-term effects on cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning.
Back injuries refer to any damage or trauma sustained by the muscles, ligaments, bones, or nerves in the back region of the body. These injuries can result from a variety of causes, including accidents, repetitive strain, poor posture, or degenerative conditions, and can lead to pain, discomfort, and limited mobility. Treatment for back injuries can include rest, physical therapy, medication, or surgery.
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord resulting in a loss of function, sensation, or mobility. SCI can be caused by trauma, disease, or degeneration of the spinal cord and can result in paralysis or other neurological impairments.
Ligament damage refers to an injury or trauma to the tough fibrous tissue that connects bones to each other in a joint. Such damage can result in pain, swelling, instability, and limited range of motion in the affected joint. Treatment may involve rest, physical therapy, medication, or surgery depending on the severity of the injury.
Hip fractures refer to a break or crack in the upper part of the femur bone, commonly occurring in the hip joint. This condition is often a result of falls, osteoporosis, or other underlying medical conditions that weaken the bones. Symptoms may include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in moving the affected leg. Treatment typically involves surgery, pain management, and physical therapy.
Sprains and strains are injuries to the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons, resulting from overstretching or tearing. Sprains typically affect ligaments, while strains affect muscles or tendons, and both can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Bruising is a discoloration of the skin or underlying tissues caused by the rupture of blood vessels, usually as a result of trauma or injury. The affected area typically appears blue or purple at first, then changes to green, yellow, or brown as it heals.
Physical injuries from slip and fall accidents can cause emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Slip and fall accidents do not discriminate based on age, gender, or occupation. They can happen to anyone, at any time, and in any setting.
Take steps to prevent slip and fall accidents, such as ensuring proper signage, regular maintenance, and keeping floors clear of obstacles and hazards.
Victims of slip and fall accidents may also face financial hardship due to medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to their injuries and recovery.
When you are injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Is There a Statute of Limitations in Portland, Maine to File for a Slip and Fall Injury?
In Maine, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally six years from the date of the accident, including slip and fall accidents. This means that an injured individual must file a lawsuit within six years of their slip and fall accident or their claim may be barred.
The statute of limitations may vary depending on the case’s specific circumstances. Certain factors can affect the limitation period, such as if the victim is a minor, the responsible party is a government entity, or an individual conducting professional services.
Table of Contents
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What is a Slip and Fall Accident?
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What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
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Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents
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Is There a Statute of Limitations in Portland, Maine to File for a Slip and Fall Injury?
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Contact Our Experienced Maine Slip & Fall Accident Lawyers Today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Our Experienced Maine Slip & Fall Accident Lawyers Today!
Goldberg & Loren is one of Portland, Maine’s most respected and experienced slip and fall law firms. Goldberg & Loren has earned a reputation for ensuring that those who have been injured in a slip and fall accident receive the maximum compensation available.
The attorneys at Goldberg & Loren are dedicated to representing their clients and fighting for justice. They understand that slip and fall accidents can have serious, long-term consequences for victims and are committed to pursuing full financial compensation for their clients’ medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, contact our legal team today to discuss your legal options.
Our Portland, Maine, personal injury lawyers will fight for you and help ensure that you receive the just compensation you deserve. Call us at (207) 977-2838 or fill out the form for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portland, Maine Slip & Fall Accidents
In the state of Maine, approximately 3,000 individuals miss work due to slip and fall accidents occur every year. [2]
By taking a few simple precautions, slip and fall accidents can be avoided. Ensure that floors are clean and dry, regardless of whether they are concrete, wood, or tiled surfaces.
Place proper signage warning of wet floors or any hazards and place absorbent mats or rugs in high traffic areas. Another key factor is proper lighting in stairways and corridors to avoid tripping. Stairs need to be kept in good condition, with sturdy handrails to provide support and stability.
Adequate footwear with non-slip treads should be worn in slippery areas. Regular maintenance should be performed to keep all walkways, parking lots, and surrounding areas in good condition, with gravel or salt laid down on icy or wet surfaces. Store items in an orderly fashion to prevent objects from obstructing walkways and aisles.
It's also important to implement safety policies, with clear guidelines and procedures to be followed by employees and visitors, encouraging them to report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately. By taking these steps, mitigating hazards, and promoting a culture of safety, property owners and managers can help prevent slip and fall accidents and keep their customers safe.
Sources:
[1]Â Slip and Fall Quick Facts | NFSI. (n.d.). Slip and Fall Quick Facts | NFSI. https://nfsi.org/nfsi-research/quick-facts/
[2] Slips, Trips & Falls Program. (2021). https://knoxme.govoffice3.com/vertical/sites/%7BE350B1EF-00F9-4556-86A6-16B2CB50F02D%7D/uploads/Knox_County_SlipsTrips__Falls_Written_Program_-_July_2021.pdf
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
180 Pool St Suite 105,
Biddeford, ME 04005
(207) 977-2838
Have you been injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident in Portland Maine? We may be able to help!
George Goldberg
Senior Partner
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