Occupational hazards include everything from tripping or slipping to exposure to hazardous chemicals. Slip and falls in particular are prevalent across all industries, and their causes are just as diverse. These kinds of incidents range from mild to severe and can cause anything from simple abrasions to fatal injuries.
Contents
Slip and fall accidents account for roughly 85% of workers’ comp claims. Injuries from slip and fall accidents cost an average of 31 missed days of work and $70 billion in annual medical expenses. In fact, slip and falls accounted for 17% of fatal work-related injuries in 2014 alone. Whether an injury occurred during a slip and fall accident at work or you lost a loved one due to a work-related incident, you can file a personal injury claim against the employer.
Slip and fall and other premises liability claims, like all personal injury suits, hinge on proving negligence. To collect the most compensation, you must prove your employer was negligent in some way that led to your injuries. OSHA requires employers and other organizations protect their employees’ safety through security measures and equipment. For example, if you’re working high up in a building, you must wear fall prevention gear, like a body harness or carabineer. If an employer failed to provide adequate safety equipment, courts will most certainly hold him or her liable. There are other types of situations in which you may be able to sue not only your employer, but third parties for damages caused by your work injuries, for example:
In some cases, you may be partially responsible for your own accident. Texas still allows you to collect compensation even if you were partially at fault yourself. The comparative negligence clause states that, as long as courts find you less than 51% at fault, you can still collect compensation based on your fault percentage. For example, 20% fault in a $100,000 case means you can collect the remaining 80% ($80,000). Your attorney will collect evidence that minimizes the fault percentage so you can collect the fairest compensation possible.
Your attorney will also attempt to secure greater compensation by increasing your damage amounts. This accounts for any expenses incurred after an accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a slip and fall accident claimed a loved one, you can file a wrongful death case or possibly claim punitive damages.
Because your employers will have attorneys protecting their best interests in cases involving slip and fall accidents on the job, make sure you have someone looking after your best interests. Find an accomplished attorney who understands how these cases work in Texas.
The Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert has ample experience in a variety of personal injury fields, including slip and fall and other premises accidents at work. If a slip and fall accident resulted in serious injuries and lost wages, our attorneys will fight to recover medical bills, pain and suffering and other expenses. We offer a free consultation and there is no fee or expense unless you recover. Contact us today. If you’re in the San Antonio area reach out to our San Antonio Slip and Fall lawyers.