Slip and Falls

Wilmington, Delaware Slip and Fall Lawyer

Each year there are approximately 8 million Emergency Room (ER) visits due to falls. Falls are one of the leading causes of ER visits in the country. Over 40,000 people per year die from falls. A slip and fall occurs when an individual slips or loses footing on a slippery surface, and falls to the surface. In slip and fall cases, the slipperiness is usually created by a liquid. A trip and fall occurs when an individual trips on an obstacle, debris or uneven surface. Slip or trip and falls can result in serios injuries or death.

Delaware Slip and Fall Law for Places of Business or Commercial Properties

Delaware law says that a business owner or landowner has a duty to the public to keep the property in a safe condition. The owner will be responsible for dangerous conditions that cause injuries to patrons. Also, a Delaware business owner must inspect the property for dangerous conditions. When the owner finds the dangerous condition, the owner must make it safe or warn patrons. If an owner does not does not make reasonable inspection of the premises, fails to discover a dangerous condition or fails to warn the patron, that owner is negligent and can be sued!

Places Where Slip and Falls Occur

Slip and fall or trip and fall cases can occur in a variety of locations such as the following:

• Grocery stores
• Retail stores
• Restaurants
• Parking lots
• Apartment Complexes
• Theaters
• Concert Halls
• Stadiums
• Venues
• Swimming Pools
• Escalators and Elevators
• Sidewalks

Types of Dangerous Conditions that My Office Handles

My office handles all types of slip or trip and fall cases. The following are common types of dangerous conditions that may cause injuries and require the help of a lawyer:

• Wet floors: wet or slippery floors can cause an individual to lose their footing and fall. Slippery floors frequently occur in supermarkets or restaurants, where spills are frequent, or outside buildings when it’s raining or snowing.
• Debris on floors: many accidents are caused by loose items or debris.
• Potholes or holes in concrete: trip hazards like potholes in streets or parking lots are also a frequent cause of injuries. Property owners should fill such defects promptly or provide clear warnings.
• Uneven pavement: this refers to improperly maintained sidewalks or pavements with uneven surfaces, resulting in a significant difference in elevation that can easily cause a trip and fall injury.
• Tree Roots: if tree roots are obstructive or unreasonably dangerous, this can give rise to liability of the commercial property owner.
• Poor lighting: inadequate lighting can reduce visibility and increase the chances of one tripping over obstacles or slipping on wet surfaces.
• Missing guardrails: the absence of a guardrail in locations with elevation changes or drops can result in severe falls.
• Broken steps or handrails: stairs that are uneven, broken, or lack supportive and stable handrails pose a high risk of causing accidents and serious injuries.
• Building code violations: from blocked emergency exits to improper wiring, building code violations can lead directly to dangerous situations.

Be Aware of the Delaware Guest Premises Law

In Delaware, if you enter a private residence such as a house or a farm as a guest without payment, you cannot recover for injuries for dangerous conditions on the property. The guest premises statute is a bar to recovery for the negligent acts of the property owner. Guests can recover for intentional or reckless acts by the homeowner, but severely limits the rights of injury victims that are injured at private residences.

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall

1. Take Photos: it is imperative that you take clear images of the hazardous condition, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or lack of warning signs and the surrounding scene
2. Report the Accident: report the incident to either the store owner, property manager, or landlord, depending on where the accident happened. Tell them that you would like to make a report.
3. Collect Witness Information: obtain the contact information of anyone who may have witnessed your fall, including their names, phone numbers, and email addresses.
4. Seek Medical Attention: Regardless of how minor you perceive the injury to be, seek medical attention promptly. Go to a walk-in clinic immediately or call an ambulance if necessary.
5. Consult a Lawyer: it is crucial to obtain the right personal injury attorney from the outset. You can contact Jason R. Antoine, Esquire at (302) 482-4802.

Types of Injuries that Occur Due to a Slip and Fall

Slip and fall accidents can result in an array of serious, even life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common injuries in slip and fall accidents involve:

• Brain Injuries: Inherent in a slip and fall is the potential risk of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) Falling and striking the head can result in a concussion or more severe TBI, including brain bleeding or brain damage.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Slip and falls frequently cause trauma to the spine. This can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis, altered sensation, or even difficulty with balance and movement.
• Broken Bones: Falling often results in broken bones, especially in the wrists, arms, hips, and ankles. Recovery can demand lengthy healing periods or even surgical interventions.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: A slip and fall can cause unseen injuries such as torn ligaments and tendons or severe bruising, which can lead to chronic pain and long-term disability.
• Strains and Sprains: Similar to soft tissue injuries, the sudden shock of a fall can lead to strains or sprains, which can cause discomfort and require ongoing rehabilitation.
• Facial Injuries: Falls can result in injuries to the face, including fractures, dental injuries, or eye injuries which can be disfiguring and may require reconstructive surgery.
• Lacerations: Wounds from a slip and fall can lead to significant blood loss, possible infection risks, and may leave permanent scars.

Some slip and fall accidents might lead to fatal injuries. When a wrongful death occurs due to negligence, eligible parties can pursue compensation for wrongful death.

Contact Us

Slip and fall accidents can significantly disrupt your life, both physically and financially. The business or property violated his or her duty to keep you safe while on the premises. You do not need to go it alone. My office is here to help you navigate the system and give you traditional customer service experience. Contact my office at (302) 482-4802 to set up a free consultation so we can walk you through the process and get you on the road to recovery.