Every year, millions of Americans suffer
slip and fall injuries. While many of these result in minor injuries, like cuts and bruises or a sprained ankle, falls can sometimes lead to severe injuries. They can even be fatal. As you get older, your risk for slipping and falling increases dramatically.
Fatal Fall Statistics
Slip and fall accidents contribute to a number of injuries, especially among senior citizens. The CDC estimates that slip and fall incidents cause more than
95% of hip fractures. Furthermore, falls are the number one culprit of traumatic brain injuries. Such severe damages hospitalize more than 700,000 people each year. For individuals in the 76-84 age range, slips and falls are the second most common cause of injury-related deaths. Falls are also the main source of workers’ comp claims. Fatal
falls in the workplace have
increased 10% from 2013-2014.
What Are the Risk Factors for Slip and Fall Accidents?
Many factors contribute to slip and fall accidents, but some things exacerbate the risk. Here are few factors, coupled with
premises safety hazards, that are responsible for countless injuries:
- Difficulty walking and maintaining balance
- Weakness in the lower body
- Vision problems
- Certain prescription and OTC medication
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Safety hazards like loose carpeting, broken or uneven walkways, and lack of handrails.
- A lack of proper safety equipment and/or protocol in occupational settings.
However, falls that result in fatality usually are a result of two or more of these risk factors. If someone you love suffered from any of the above conditions, and there was a hazard that led to a death, someone should be held responsible for neglected property or unsafe conditions.
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Can I File a Claim for the Death of a Loved One?
If you’ve lost a loved one due to a slip and fall accident, you have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Every state handles these differently; in Texas, for example, a surviving spouse, child, or parent of the deceased can file a claim. You can do this individually, or several relatives can file a joint claim.
What Damages Can I Claim?
Typically, you file personal injury damages for yourself and how an injury affected you. For a wrongful death suit, on the other hand, the claim addresses how the loss of a loved one impacts you. Damages usually include:
- Lost future earnings, especially if the deceased was the family’s main source of income;
- Loss of care, support, advice, and counsel;
- Mental and emotional suffering;
- Loss of love, companionship, and society; and
- Lost inheritance, for example, what your loved one would have saved and given you if he or she hadn’t died from someone else’s negligence.
Texas also allows for exemplary or punitive damages. Courts use these to “punish” a party for gross negligence. While rare, this type of damage is possible in slip and fall cases where property owners were extremely irresponsible.
Contact a Compassionate and Competent Texas Wrongful Death Attorney
The Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, located in Dallas, has experience helping clients throughout Texas. We have experience in several areas of personal injury law, including slip and fall cases and wrongful death claims. Losing a loved one due to a slip and fall injury is heartbreaking, but you don’t have to deal with it alone.
Our attorneys are compassionate, competent, and willing to work for you. Our track record is exemplary, and we understand the injustice of negligence, especially if it results in death. We offer a free consultation and there is no fee or expense unless you recover.
Contact us today to discuss your case. If you’re in the San Antonio area reach out to our
San Antonio Slip and Fall lawyers.
