While slipping on a wet floor may seem a minor incident to some, your senior parent can sustain significant damages after a fall. Costly medical expenses for emergency care, ongoing therapies and necessary equipment and supplies can quickly become overwhelming.
When a business’s negligence results in a slip and fall accident, it is vital to know and protect your older relative’s rights and ensure proper compensation.
How can a fall affect seniors?
Older adults can experience severe injuries from slipping and falling. In addition to bruises and swelling, they may suffer:
- Broken bones
- Hip fractures
- Soft tissue damages
- Traumatic brain injuries
Seniors can have more pain and take longer to recover than younger adults, increasing the cost of medical care.
How do you prove negligence?
Business owners must ensure the safety of people on their premises by working to prevent slip and fall hazards. If a property owner’s oversight led to your parent’s fall, take action immediately to document everything related to the incident.
For example, photograph the area from all angles if someone recently mopped the floor but failed to put up a wet floor caution sign. Get information and statements from eyewitnesses, and obtain copies of any accident reports completed by employees or managers on site. An experienced attorney can help you gather additional evidence such as property maintenance records, video surveillance footage and negligence history.
Often, seniors fall in public places due to a business’s failure to ensure safe public walkways, sidewalks, grocery aisles or stairwells. Understanding your older parent’s rights is essential to get the compensation they deserve following a slip and fall accident.
