Senior Citizens and Trip and Fall Accidents

Trip and fall accidents experienced by senior citizens may result in physical injuries and outstanding medical bills. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a trip and fall, a lawyer can help you receive compensation for financial, physical, and emotional damages. Hiring a trip and fall lawyer from Philly Slip and Fall Guys enables you to focus on your well-being after an accident by negotiating with defendants, insurance companies, and courts on your behalf.

Causes of Trip and Fall Accidents

A trip and fall accident can be caused by a variety of factors, like property owner negligence. If the accident took place on private or public property, the owner may be responsible for the victim’s injuries. If the victim and their trip and fall lawyer can prove that the property owner showed negligence in prioritizing the safety of visitors, the victim may be able to submit a claim for compensation. Here are some of the main causes of trip and fall accidents for senior citizens:

Obstructed Walkways

Stores and public spaces with cluttered aisles or blocked walkways create tripping hazards for senior citizens. Walkways full of obstacles are difficult to navigate, so property owners must keep them clear or post obvious warning signs. If there are items or spills on indoor or outdoor pathways without appropriate signage, accident victims can file an injury claim against the business for their negligence. Senior citizens may have slower reaction times, reducing their ability to dodge obstacles. This may make seniors more prone to trip and fall accidents. If a business has regular senior citizen customers, they should take extra precautions to post visible warning signs and keep walkways clear of tripping hazards.

Poor Lighting

Reduced visibility in public spaces caused by poor or damaged lighting can lead to senior citizens tripping and falling. Seniors may have limited vision, and dim lighting affects individuals’ depth perception and sight. This could cause people to miss nearby obstacles and lose their balance. Injuries caused by poor lighting may be the responsibility of property owners. Premises liability laws require property owners to perform maintenance as soon as possible to keep their property safe and functional for visitors. If property owners have delayed repairs, they may have to pay victims for the physical and emotional damages they sustained on the property.

Uneven Ground

Senior citizens with limited mobility and other balance-related health conditions may be more susceptible to accidents on uneven flooring. Cracked sidewalks, sunken flooring, damaged staircases, and potholes are significant risk factors that increase the chances of trips and falls. If sidewalks and other walkways are broken or uneven, senior citizens and individuals with walking aids may have difficulty traversing the area. If staircases are missing a step or handrail, this creates a fall hazard for users. Parking lots with uneven ground or potholes also create dangerous conditions for elderly visitors. Businesses must upkeep their public walkways to confirm there are no holes, cracks, or missing elements that increase the chances of accidents and injuries.

How a Lawyer Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, contact a lawyer. Our team of legal professionals will gather evidence and witness statements to create a compelling claim. Some evidence needed to build a case includes medical reports, police reports, medical bills, and photographs of the scene and the victim’s injuries. This evidence helps prove that another party was responsible for the accident and resulting injuries.

After developing a strong case and filing a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company, our lawyers begin the negotiation process. This involves working with insurers and defendants to reach a settlement that is approved by all involved parties. If the defendant or insurer won’t agree to the settlement terms, the case is taken to court. In court, your lawyer will present your case and claims to the judge and jurors. Our legal team will guide you through this legal process and keep you informed of the status of your case until it is resolved. We will negotiate for the highest compensation amount to cover your bills and regain financial stability after your accident.

Work With a Trip and Fall Lawyer

Philly Slip and Fall Guys has been serving clients in the Philadelphia area for over 30 years. Our team will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. A free consultation call allows us to assess your case and determine whether we’re able to help. During this call, you should explain your injuries and the circumstances that led to the accident. We will let you know as quickly as possible how we plan to move forward with your case and claims. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation call and learn more about your ability to receive compensation.