Fractured Hip Injuries and Elderly Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can range from minor to fatal, depending on the circumstances. Some of the most common slip and fall victims are elderly individuals, who tend to suffer higher levels of pain and suffering from the resulting injuries, including fractured hips and pelvises. Continue reading to learn more about fractured hip injuries in elderly victims, and what you should do as a loved one who is helping a senior citizen recover from a recent slip and fall accident that occurred through no fault of their own.

Indianapolis Hip Injury Lawyers
Indianapolis Hip Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Fractured Hip Slip and Fall Statistics

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), nearly 9 million slip and fall emergency room visits take place each year in the United States. Of these, the scope of injuries range from scrapes and bruises, to orthopedic injuries, brain injuries, spinal injuries, and more. Because of the potential severity of injuries that result from slip and fall accidents, it is common for victims to require extensive medical treatment and prolonged recovery.

Therefore, if the accident occurred as a result of another’s negligence, whether a company, manufacturer, a business or an individual person, it is vital to discuss your case with a seasoned Indianapolis personal injury attorney who concentrates on slip and fall accidents. The insurance company for the company, manufacturer, business or an individual person are immediately investigating the incident in an attempt to try to suggest the person falling was at fault and usually are not obtaining or retaining evidence which would be favorable to the person who fell. You may be entitled to certain compensation to cover hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.

Elderly Slip and Fall Accidents

When slip and fall accidents happen to the elderly, one of the most common and severe injuries that result are fractured hips. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 258,000 adults over the age of 65 are admitted to the emergency room each year for such injuries. The CDC goes on to report that slip and fall accidents are the number one cause of fractured hips among individuals of this age group.

For elderly persons over the age of 85, a fractured hip resulting from a slip and fall accident is exponentially higher, and can mean severe injuries and prolonged rehabilitation. Common recovery programs for elderly fractured hip patients include surgery, extended hospital stays, prolonged physical therapy, additional rehabilitation facility stays, and even temporary or permanent nursing home care.

In fact, it is reported that nearly 1/3 of all hip fracture victims who lived on their own before their accident are never able to return home, and instead, must live in assisted living. Sadly, because certain recovery complications are more common at an older age, such as surgery complications, infection, and lowered immune systems, it is reported that virtually 20% of hip fracture victims over 65 lose their life within a year of their injury.

What to Do For Your Elderly Loved One

If your elderly loved one recently suffered a fractured hip or other serious injury as a result of a slip and fall accident, talk to an Indianapolis slip and fall lawyer to learn more about your rights to compensation. If the accident happened due to someone else’s negligence, you likely have a strong case. Schedule a consultation to discuss your case and the best strategies for obtaining compensation for your damages and losses. See our blog, “What to Bring to a Personal Injury Consultation” to get started.

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Attorneys

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed hip injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana. Seasoned lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are motivated to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after experiencing a slip and fall accident in Indiana. Call 317-881-2700 to get started today.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

What Causes the Most Slip and Fall Accidents?

There are many reasons why slip and fall accidents happen. However, when it comes to personal injury claims, the most serious slip and fall accidents seem to stem from the same types of negligence. Continue reading to learn some of the most common causes for slip, trip, and fall accidents, as well as, how to get started on your injury claim.

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers 317-881-2700

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are generally caused by hazardous surface conditions, such as wet floors, uneven walkways, and poorly maintained parking lots. Here are some examples of the most common causes for slip and fall accidents:

    ⚠ Wet or Slippery Floors

    ⚠ Cracked Sidewalks

    ⚠ Defective Escalators

    ⚠ Defective Moving Walkways

    ⚠ Jagged Walkways

    ⚠ Uneven Steps

    ⚠ Broken Tiles

    ⚠ Torn Carpets

    ⚠ Insufficient Lighting

    ⚠ Pathway Obstructions (debris, rubble, electrical cords, etc.)

    ⚠ Broken Ramps

    ⚠ Construction Zones

    ⚠ Grease or Oil Spills

    ⚠ Loose or Missing Handrails

    ⚠ Open Desk Drawers

    ⚠ Failure to Remove Hazards

    ⚠ Failure to Remove Snow or Ice

    ⚠ Defective Ladders

    ⚠ Building Code violations

    ⚠ Failure to Post Warning Signs for Floors or Steps

If You Were Hurt in a Slip and Fall Accident

Rights surrounding slip and fall victims vary from state to state, so the circumstances for recovering compensation will likely differ. But across the board, commercial, public, and residential property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their premises are safe and hazard-free in order to protect any visitors from potential harm. Please see our blog, “A Store’s Obligation to Maintain Safe Premises” to learn more about store owner liability.

Here in Indiana, victims of slip and fall accidents are protected under Indiana Premises Liability law. This means if you slip and fall on another person’s property and suffer serious injuries, you may be entitled to legal compensation for your damages. It is vital that you discuss your accident and injuries with a seasoned Indianapolis slip and fall lawyer for help making a claim.

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers You Can Trust

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The Law Firm of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you would like to file a personal injury claim for a slip and fall accident in Indianapolis, Indiana or anywhere in Indiana. Our seasoned accident attorneys are eager to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you.

3 Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Slip and Fall Accident

When a slip and fall accident happens to an innocent person because someone else was careless, it is important for the negligent party to be held accountable for the victim’s injuries and subsequent losses. A personal injury lawyer can help slip and fall victims accomplish this goal by recovering the full and fair compensation necessary to cover hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more.

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers 317-881-2700

If you were recently injured in a slip and fall accident, it is important to hire a licensed personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Here are the top three reasons why:

They Will Manage Evidence and Speak With Witnesses

In a slip and fall personal injury case, one of the most important factors in proving liability is evidence. Personal injury lawyers will gather all types of evidence, including photographs, videos, witness statements, professional testimonies, expert panels, investigations, and more. They are experienced and know exactly where to look, and will deal with all procedures and efforts to collect as much evidence as possible to prove a slip and fall case. These are imperative tasks that the average person is simply not qualified to do.

They Will Prove Liability

The burden of proving that the defendant (at-fault party) is liable for a slip and fall accident rests on the shoulders of the plaintiff (victim party). Slip and fall lawyers have the acute and comprehensive knowledge of the law, giving them the skills necessary to carefully review all evidence and factors in a case and prove liability.

They can demonstrate through concrete evidence that: 1) you did not contribute to your accident and injuries in any way, 2) the at-fault party had a duty of care to protect the victim from a slip and fall accident, 3) the at-fault party did not take the proper precautions to prevent a slip and fall accident, and 4) the slip and fall accident was the direct cause of all the victims damages and losses.

They Will Handle All Court and Lawyer Communications

Not only will personal injury lawyers manage all evidence and legal dealings in a slip and fall case, they will solely handle the line of communication with the courts and other lawyers so you don’t have to. This task is complex and can be intimidating for you, which is why it is a significant advantage to hire a personal injury law firm that concentrates on slip and fall claims. They will do all the document fillings and speaking at mediation meetings, trials, motions, and more; you don’t have to say anything at all if you choose except in a deposition or at trial. They know how to navigate your claim in the best interest of your health, well-being, and future.

Esteemed Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Central Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury attorneys retain extensive experience working with slip and fall claims, and will work around the clock to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to get started, today.

3 Lies About Slip and Fall Accident Cases

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers 317-881-2700

In the field of personal injury law, slip, trip, and fall cases add up to a significant amount of claims. From wet floors and icy sidewalks, to unleveled concrete and frayed carpeting, slip and fall claims are wide-spread, which means there are several ways a person can sustain serious injuries. As one of the most common personal injury claims, it’s not surprising that there are a few myths surrounding such cases that might confuse the average slip and fall victim.

So to protect yourself and gain clarity, it is wise to learn the truths to these falsehoods. Continue reading to learn the three most common lies about slip, trip, and fall accident claims.

Slip and Fall Myths

You Don’t Have a Case.

Because injury cases can be so complex, many victims are unclear about another’s liability or duty of care. This leads them to believe anyone that tells them they probably don’t have a case. But there are so many minute and complex details that go into the investigatory process of an accident claim, that a person cannot always trust the legitimacy of a slip and fall case at first-glance. This is why you need to consult a personal injury lawyer.

A Warning Sign Was Posted, So You Can’t Sue.

Although a warning sign is standard procedure to alert others of a potential hazard, it does not always exclude a person or entity’s responsibility in a slip and fall claim. There are several other details that go into accidents such as these, and a sign is not enough to entirely eliminate liability.

You Can Only Recover for Economical Losses.

Many slip and fall victims also become victims of this common lie. In personal injury cases, victims can recover compensation for more than just hospital bills, medical expenses, and lost wages. Depending on the severity of the injuries, the extent of negligence, and more, a court can also award compensation for non-economic damages and even punitive damages if the negligence was egregious.

Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

With so many myths surrounding slip and fall claims, and since they greatly differ individually, it is important to retain the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer that focuses on slip and fall accident cases. They can thoroughly assess your accident and determine whether or not you have a valid claim. If you do, they will represent your case without collecting a single dollar until they prevail for you. This is called a contingency-fee basis, which you can learn more about here.

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Craven Hoover Blazek Personal Injury Law
Craven Hoover Blazek Personal Injury Law 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn more about slip and fall injury claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned personal injury lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, concentrate on slip and fall accident cases. Our personal injury law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss your accident and assess your eligibility for compensation. And we never collect attorney fees unless we recover for you! Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a consultation with an experienced Indianapolis slip and
fall lawyer
, today. We have successfully represented premises liability cases for big box stores like Walmart, Lowes, and Menards.

What Physical Evidence Should I Keep for a Slip and Fall Claim?

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers 317-881-2700

According to the National Floor Safety Institute, over one million slip and fall victims are sent to the ER each year. With numbers like these, it is important to make floor and walking safety a priority. But regardless of how careful you are, there is always a possibility for accidents to happen, especially when another person or entity has been negligent in maintaining a certain duty of care.

In this case, you would need an experienced personal injury lawyer to navigate your case and recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after wrongfully suffering losses and damages as a result of a slip and fall accident. And although your attorney will conduct an in-depth and thorough investigation, it is important to collect certain important pieces of evidence yourself directly after an accident; evidence that your attorney would not have access to days after the incident occurred. These evidences will help prove your case to the courts and the opposing party.

Continue reading to learn what evidence to gather up after being injured in a slip, trip, and fall accident for a stronger chance at winning a fair settlement.

Scene of the Accident Footage

It is understandably difficult to collect footage at the scene of your accident when you are seriously hurt, but it is critical to your case to try. If you are too injured or incapacitated to gather this evidence yourself, you should ask a witness, bystander, friend, relative, or police officer to help you. Take as many pictures and video footage as you can of your injuries and the surroundings.

Include a picture of your entire body, your injuries, the area you slipped, tripped, or fell, as well as, the surface of the floor, nearby signs (or lack of signs), water puddles, snow, liquids, spills, frayed carpeting, unleveled surfaces, poor lighting, dangerous conditions, and more. Collect footage of anything that could have influenced the accident to happen. Video is best, but photos are effective too.

Clothing and Apparel

Another important piece of physical evidence that can help your case is the clothing you were wearing the moment of the accident. This includes your outfit and your shoes, as well as, any outerwear. If you are trying to prove that the floor you injured yourself on was dangerous, you may need to also prove that you were dressed reasonably and that your apparel did not contribute to your accident. Physical photos and clothing can help confirm this. For instance, if a woman was wearing high heeled shoes on a snowy day, this evidence would be used against her in a slip and fall injury case. But if you fell on a dry day wearing sneakers, the evidence helps prove your footwear was not a cause for your fall.

Physical evidence can also include witness statements, video footage, medical records, hospital bills, and more, but it is only a tiny fraction of a victorious slip and fall personal injury case. Fore this reason, it is an important to retain a seasoned accident attorney to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. They have the knowledge and hands-on experience to obtain the settlement you need to cover all your related losses and damages.

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Attorneys

Craven Hoover Blazek Personal Injury Law

Craven Hoover Blazek Personal Injury Law 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to discuss a slip and fall accident in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned slip and fall accident lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are eager to recover what’s rightfully owed to you after suffering injuries from a slip, trip, or fall accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule an appointment with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer, today.