A personal injury lawyer goes over what you need to know if you were injured in a slip and fall accident

It can happen just about anywhere: the grocery store, at work, at school, in someone's home, or on a slick walkway. Slip and fall accidents can happen without warning and result in debilitating injuries.

Anyone can be at risk of being injured in a slip and fall accident, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people ages 65 and older are the most at risk. Here are the facts and figures:

• More than one out of four people ages 65 and older fall each year.
• Less than half of them, however, report it to their doctors.
• Older people who fall once are twice as likely to fall again in the future.
• A fifth of all falls result in serious injuries, including bone fractures and head injuries.
• Roughly three million people are treated in emergency departments each year due to falls.
• More than 800,000 are treated for head injuries and hip fractures.
• At least 300,000 older people are treated for hip fractures.
• More than 95 percent of all hip fractures are sustained in falls.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are most commonly caused by falls.

What are the most common causes of slip and fall accidents?

There are several risk factors that can lead to slip and fall accidents, all of which are the result of negligence, including:

• Spilled liquids: This is notorious in grocery stores, restaurants, hospitals, and in some workplaces. In many cases, those who slip and fall never see the spilled liquid before the accident occurs.
• Water tracked in from outdoors: During wet outdoor conditions, it's very common for water to be tracked into stores, hallways, offices, and other indoor walking surfaces. During the winter months, snow and ice can be carried indoors on someone's shoes or boots. Even with a floor mat, it can be difficult to completely prevent water from being tracked indoors.
• Snow and ice: Winter is just around the corner but even before it officially arrives, New Hampshire will likely experience some snow or ice. Serious slip and fall accidents can occur when property owners or business managers fail to keep sidewalks and walkways clear of slipping hazards.
• Debris: Items left in walking areas can create slipping or tripping hazards. Rolling debris, such as marbles, balls, and cylinders can be especially hazardous.
• Unsecured rugs: Slip and falls involving unsecured rugs commonly occur in someone else's home, but can happen in many businesses and offices, too.
• Poor building maintenance: Cracks, uneven surfaces, broken or loose railings, and broken stairs or steps are all common slipping or tripping risk factors.
• Poor lighting or lack of lighting: If someone can't see a slip and fall hazard, they are at risk of being seriously injured.

I was hurt in a slip and fall accident. What should I do next?

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in New Hampshire, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Insurance companies are known for downplaying slip and fall accidents and even brushing them off completely.

That's why it's important to take immediate action after a slip and fall accident. If you're able to, it's important that you do the following:

• Take note of the time, date, and location of the fall.
• Take note of the conditions that caused the fall.
• Take photos of the scene where the accident occurred.
• Speak to witnesses if any are available.
• Report the accident to a manager or property owner.
• Get immediate medical attention.
• Consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Winning your case will require a thorough investigation and strong legal representation. With a wealth of legal knowledge and decades of experience, the legal team at Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A. knows how to tackle these complex cases and get results. We have the experience and expertise to assess the evidence, identify the witnesses, apply the law, and help you build a solid claim.

To learn more, contact our law office, based in Dover, New Hampshire, and speak to one of our attorneys today.