How your Hazleton accident can get you compensated for your injury and recovery
If you or a loved one have been in a Hazleton slip and fall accident, the injury, the loss of income, and the pain and suffering may seem overwhelming. Figuring out when and what you need to prove your case, all while managing your life and recovering from your injuries, is a huge challenge. Some scenarios can also involve fighting for compensation for a tragic, fatal slip and fall.
Our Hazelton slip and fall lawyers are here to help to assess your case and its damage, so that no stone is left unturned, and to make certain the evidence needed to prove negligence is collected. Contact Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys to begin the process of fighting for the compensation that is rightfully yours; our slip and fall team has the experience, success rate, and we will get you the compensation you need…no fees are collected for your initial consultation.
$32 Million Wrongful Death
$26 Million Truck Accident
$17.5 Million Car Accident
$12 Million Product Liability
$9 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$7.5 Million Auto Accident
$6.9 Million Garbage Truck Accident
$6.5 Million Traumatic Brain Injury
$5 Million Medical Malpractice
$5 Million Bus Accidents
How Common Are Slip and Fall Injuries?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide. The National Safety Council (NSC) cites that more than 6.8 million people were treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries in 2020. Finally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)‘s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reported that there were approximately 44,686 unintentional fall deaths reported in 2021:
- Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- 1 out of 4 Americans aged 65 or older falls each year; half are repeat fallers.
- Researchers predict there will be 7 deadly falls every hour by 2030
- Those with mild hearing loss are about three times as likely to fall; each 10 decibels of hearing loss increasing falls risk
- Falls result in more than 3 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 800,000 hospitalizations.
- 85% of worker’s compensation claims are attributed to employees slipping on slick floors
- Falls occur in all manufacturing and service sectors; fatal falls are prevalent in construction, mining, and certain maintenance work.
- According to the American Trucking Association, slips and falls are the leading cause of injury claims in the trucking industry.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries?
Slippery surfaces are the main causes of slip and fall injuries and most falls occur at ground level (CDC). Age, health, and environmental factors contribute to the severity of falls.
- Elevated falls: account for approximately 40% of compensable fall cases, with about 10% of the cases involving occupational fatalities.
- Same level falls: account for approximately 60% of compensable fall cases.
Some contributing factors are typically:
- wet floors and stairs
- snow covered or icy sidewalks and stairs
- unsafe work conditions, especially if work is performed at an elevation such as on a ladder poor maintenance of walk areas
- inappropriate flooring materials that can make slips and trips easier
- inadequate lighting
What Steps Should I Take After My Hazleton Slip and Fall Accident?
To pursue your claim, you must establish and prove that the party at fault was negligent. Negligence can be shown with evidence proving that the owner or manager did not exercise reasonable care in keeping their property safe:
- Seek medical care to rule out broken bones, sprains, and concussions/head injuries. Even if you feel that you “are ok,” you must seek medical care; adrenaline often heightens and can cause you to underestimate your experience. Medical documentation is key in establishing a trail regarding your treatment.
- Report your accident to authorities and/or to business management, owner, or landlord to create an accident report (make sure to ask for a copy!).
- Document what you can. If possible, take photos of the scene/environment where your slip and fall were, and your injuries.
- Collect eyewitness information and testimonies if you are able. Do not make any statements!
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to review your case and to consult with.
Property owners must provide a safe environment and fix safety concerns promptly and effectively; failure to do so may confirm negligence, whether they were or were not aware of the risk at hand.
Who Can Be Liable For My Hazleton Slip and Fall Accident?
Private property owners and commercial business owners owe guests and invitees a duty of care, meaning they must keep the property safe or appropriately warn comers of potential hazardous situations, and provide alternatives. When an invitee is injured in a slip and fall case, a claim can be filed under personal injury law or premises liability.
- Personal injury law: Prove that your injury was due to another person or entity’s negligence.
- Premises liability: Legal term that holds an owner liable for any injuries to a person that occurred on their property; you must prove the property owner’s negligence.
The claim will usually be filed against the property owners for their negligence with the intention to cover the costs of their physical injuries, including medical expenses, wages lost from missing work, and more.
What Are Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents?
One slip and fall accident is not like another. Each case is unique, with many variables that determine the length of recovery and recuperation; tragic circumstances are sometimes fatal. Injuries can include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Soft tissue injuries (to tendons, ligaments, and organs)
- Shoulder and neck injuries
- Hip fractures
- Sprained or strained ankles, wrists, or other joints
- Cuts and abrasions
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
What Can a Hazleton Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
and can help steer your case when, and if, the insurance companies involved cannot reach an agreement. If there is no settlement achieved, your slip and fall attorneys will file a slip and fall accident case in court. Settlement talks can continue even after a lawsuit is filed, and the at-fault party’s insurance company may offer an increased settlement amount after litigation begins.
- An experienced Hazleton slip and fall lawyer can help you through this process and tell you if the insurance company’s offer of compensation is enough and fair based on your medical bills, injuries, and any other expenses.
- If no settlement is agreed upon, then your Munley Law Personal Injury slip and fall lawyer will go to trial for you.
At Munley Law, we believe that all people should have equal access to the justice system, regardless of income; our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means we do not charge a fee for our services unless we win your case. We cover all the upfront costs, so you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket. Our contingency fee (a percentage of the settlement or verdict we obtain for you) will never exceed the total amount paid to you. If we are unable to produce results for you, you owe us nothing. Contact us if you want to have resolve and fair compensation for your slip and fall accident injury.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
197 N Cedar St.
Hazleton, PA 18201
(570) 536-9498