Slip and falls are one of the most common types of accidents around and you would think that their occurrence would be fairly steady. However, according to a new study published by insurer CNA, slip and fall accident lawsuits are expected to increase over the next few years as the age of the U.S. baby-boomer population increases.
CNA study

According to the CNA study, seniors are more likely to experience a slip and fall accident and their injuries tend to be more significant. The study’s authors estimate that over one million people injure themselves in slip and fall accidents, that 16,000 people die from a slip and fall accidents every year and have identified the following five major causes of slip and fall accidents:

1.Lack of slip resistance on walking surfaces
2.Poor walking surface conditions
3.Poor visibility
4.Lack of, or poor condition of, handrails or guardrails
5.Poor accessibility (to the area one is trying to reach)
To see the study, go to CNA’s website at www.cna.com/.

The value of a slip & fall accident may be larger than you think…

If you think that a “simple” slip and fall accident doesn’t mean you can collect substantial damage awards, think again. While every case is different, these recent examples of slip and fall verdicts and settlements show that substantial damage awards do exist:

•$18M: A Pennsylvania medical student settled his slip and fall case for $18 million in the summer of 2008 after an energy company failed to recover a manhole and the man fell 18 feet - causing him to suffer a severe spinal injury. His Pennsylvania personal injury attorney was able to prove that the company had knowledge that the manhole was consistently being uncovered by the homeless to go underground in winter months for over 10 years, but did nothing to fix the problem.

•$12.2M: A Virginia woman was awarded $12.2 million in late 2007 after she slipped on a puddle caused by a leaking awning at a convenience store. The accident left the woman with extensive and permanent brain injuries from the way her head snapped back when she fell. Her Virginia personal injury lawyer was able to prove that the store had known about the leaky awning, but failed to fix it or warn customers.

•$2.4M: The family of an elderly Delaware man was awarded $2.4 million in the summer of 2008 after the man slipped and fell in a nursing home and broke his hip. The accident eventually led to his death. His Delaware personal injury lawyer was able to prove that the facility was negligent in its care of the man.

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney (call 222-2222) to discuss your situation - even if it’s just to evaluate your options. Most firms offer free initial consultations, so finding out if you might be entitled to money damages doesn’t cost you a thing.