If you fell while you were walking on public or privately-owned West Virginia property, you may be quick to blame yourself for what happened. While you may assume that clumsiness or inattentiveness played a role in your slip-and-fall accident, in many cases, these types of incidents are often the result of preventable factors. It is possible that you are the victim of negligent maintenance or dangerous property conditions.
Common slip-and-fall injuries
A slip-and-fall accident can be embarrassing, and, many times, victims get up and move on in order to prevent further embarrassment and unwanted attention. In reality, falls can be quite painful, and, for many people, result in serious injuries. You may not be aware of the severity of fall injuries and complications until days or weeks after the original incident. Common slip-and-fall injuries include:
- Severe bruises
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head trauma
- Broken bones and fractures
- Shoulder injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Knee injuries
These are not injuries that should be overlooked. They usually require medical treatment, continued care, and, in some serious cases, surgery or rehabilitation. It is possible that you will miss work and be unable to participate in normal activities.
What causes these accidents?
Slip-and-fall accidents are relatively common, often caused by easily fixed or preventable factors. Common reasons people are hurt in a fall while walking on public or private property include:
- Uneven sidewalks or walkways
- Cracked pavement
- Wet or slippery floors
- Insufficient lighting
- Negligent security
- Unmarked hazards
These are just some of the reasons you may have suffered painful injuries in a fall, and a complete evaluation of your case can determine any additional factors that may be to blame for your injuries.
Identifying liable parties and seeking compensation
If you believe that you are suffering due to the actions or negligence of another person, it is important to clearly identify the appropriate liable parties before you can move forward with a civil claim. Liability is a complex issue, but an experienced attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to build a strong claim and hold the right parties accountable for your pain and accident-related issues.
A civil claim cannot undo the damage done, but, through legal recourse, you may be able to recover the financial losses you experienced and claim restitution for your trauma. In order to understand the legal options available to you, it is wise to first seek a complete evaluation of your case.