According to the World Health Organization (WHO), falls are the second leading cause of accidental death worldwide, and over 37 million more victims require emergency medical care for fall-related injuries. In the United States alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that millions of people fall each year, but only half tell their doctor. Most fall victims are adults aged 65 and older, who are more susceptible to serious injuries such as hip and pelvic fractures.
More than 800,000 patients receive inpatient hospital care each year in the U.S. for injuries resulting from falls, and over one-third of them suffer hip fractures. Pelvic injuries also commonly occur due to the high impact of falling, particularly among elderly people, who often have weaker bones than younger adults.
If you suffered a severe hip or pelvic injury after a fall due to someone else’s negligence, a Clearwater slip and fall accident lawyer could help you determine if you can hold the liable party accountable for your damages. Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today to get started with our legal team.
Complications of a Broken Hip or Pelvis Resulting from a Slip and Fall Accident
Treatments for hip and pelvic fractures vary based on their severity, but they usually take weeks or months to heal and may require surgeries or implants for complete resolution. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons(AAOS) notes that pelvic and hip fractures are almost always painful, and fall victims should seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid making the injury worse. Complications of a broken hip or pelvis may include:
- Bedsores
- Infection
- Pneumonia
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
Victims often cannot work or provide for themselves or their families while they recover, which can lead to financial instability. If you wonder how soon should you go to the doctor after a slip and fall accident, the answer is “as soon as you can.” Your medical report is crucial to your case. First, you can receive immediate and exhaustive medical treatments for all your injuries, not only the most visible ones. Moreover, a medical report is at the foundation of establishing damages and the costs they incurred. Lastly, an attorney can offer you significant help when they have a thorough medical report documenting all you have gone and will go through to recover.
In conclusion, after seeking medical treatment for your injury, you can hire a lawyer to help you determine your legal options for seeking compensation for your damages.
Where Slip and Fall Accidents Happen
Slips and falls can happen anywhere to anyone. Older people who live alone have a higher risk of experiencing falls, but friends and family members can help by ensuring that their homes are safe and free of clutter to help prevent fall injuries.
However, when you go to work or to a public place or someone invites you to enter private property, you reasonably expect the premises to be free of any apparent fall hazards. If an employer or property owner failed to protect you from a preventable injury, you might qualify for compensation.
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On the Job
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), established by the United States Department of Labor, protects your right to a safe workplace through federal legislation and regulations that require employers to keep workplaces free of known health and safety hazards. If a company’s failure to maintain a safe working environment caused you to fall, you could have a case against your employer.
In Public Spaces
Government agencies are responsible for keeping public property safe for recreation and enjoyment, as do private property owners who operate public spaces like grocery stores and restaurants. For example, employees must clean spills promptly and place noticeable signage near the spill if they cannot resolve the issue immediately. You should have no reason to suspect that you will suffer an injury during normal, lawful activity on these types of premises, per Florida Statutes §768.0755. You may have the option to file a claim or lawsuit against the person, agency, or company responsible if you have a slip and fall accident.
On Private Property
Florida Statutes §768.075 holds that private property owners are only immune from liability in cases in which a person suffers an injury on their property under certain circumstances. If the injured person was under the influence of alcohol or any chemical substance or trespassing at the time of the incident, they likely could not pursue financial awards from the owner. Otherwise, the victim may be eligible for financial recovery for the owner’s negligence.
A Clearwater broken hips or pelvis lawyer can investigate your case and help you determine if you can hold the government agency, employer, or property owner liable for your injuries. Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today to speak with our legal team about your accident.
We Can Help You Pursue Financial Recovery for Your Injuries
The types of financial awards you may recover from the liable party depend on your case. Details such as the severity of your injury, treatment costs, and missed time at work can all contribute to your eligibility and total award amounts. The financial recovery you may receive for your injuries could include compensation for:
- Emergency medical bills and follow-up treatment
- Medical equipment and medications
- Transportation to and from your medical appointments
- Lost wages if you had to take off work to recover
- Loss of earning capacity if you can no longer return to your former position at work because of your slip and fall injuries
- Pain and suffering, such as permanent disfigurement or mental anguish
A Clearwater broken hips or pelvis lawyer can assess the value of your damages and pursue just compensation for the injuries you suffered.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations in Slip and Fall Cases
Florida Statutes §95.11(3)(a) allows victims of negligence, such as those who suffer injuries in slip and fall accidents, up to four years to file a claim against the at-fault party in their case. However, some circumstances can limit or extend the time you have to take legal action. Our attorneys can calculate how much time you have left to file and get started on your lawsuit as soon as possible.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, our lawyers understand how impactful a hip or pelvic injury resulting from a slip and fall can be on victims and their families. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you deserve an opportunity to hold them responsible for your financial losses. Call our legal team today for more information on how we can help you move forward with your case.
