Slip and Fall Frequently Asked Questions

Question:
I slipped on a patch of ice in the parking lot at the mall. I was carrying a couple of bags in each hand, so I wasn’t able to catch myself and actually hit my head on the ground hard enough to knock myself out. Another shopper called an ambulance for me, and I was taken to the emergency room. I only had a concussion, but I still don’t feel well, I have had a headache ever since, and I don’t know what I should do.

Answer:
First of all, there is no such thing as “just a concussion.” A concussion, or a mild traumatic brain injury, is a serious condition, and can have long-term repercussions for both your physical and emotional health. Second, if you are still experiencing headaches, you need to see your doctor today, because you may have a more serious injury than the emergency room diagnosed. Your brain is nothing to take lightly, and any brain injury at all should be treated as a serious situation. Your doctor may order a test such as a CT scan or MRI in order to figure out why your headache is lingering. Please take your medical care seriously any time you suffer any head injury.

That said, the owner of the property where you fell has a legal obligation to you, and to everyone else who is invited onto the property to maintain a safe environment. This does include clearing ice and snow during the winter months. You need to speak with a Denver premises liability attorney to discuss your situation. The property owner may very well be liable for your medical bills as well as any lost wages or disability that you suffer. This is a responsibility that the property owner needs to take seriously.

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Question:
When I took my car in to the mechanic recently, I slipped on some oil in the driveway and fell on my behind. When I put my hands down to catch myself, I really hurt my wrist. I hadn’t noticed it before, but there was oil spilled in the driveway that looked like it had been building up for a long time. When one of the mechanics came out to see if I was ok, I told him they should really clean that up. When I went to the urgent care clinic, it turned out I had fractured two bones in my wrist. I have driven past since, and nothing has changed. Is there anything I can do to make sure no one else gets hurt?

Answer:
It’s good that you sought the medical help that you needed, and great that your concern is with the safety of others, and preventing more accidents. While you can’t physically force the property owner to properly maintain the property, you may have a valid premises liability claim.

If a dangerous situation existed on the premise for an extended period of time, it may be possible to determine that the owner should have known about it, and therefore should have taken steps to correct it. It sounds like you need to contact a Colorado premises liability lawyer to go over the details of the situation. By taking legal action, not only do you have a chance to gain financial relief for your medical bills, but you may be protecting others from similar accidents in the future by making the owner realize that the oil situation is dangerous and negligent.

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If you or a loved one have been injured in a slip and fall accident caused by a hazardous situation on someone else’s property, speak to a Denver premises liability attorney as soon as possible. Keith Fuicelli at the Law Firm of Fuicelli and Lee is an experienced attorney who believes in working hard for every client, and delivering superior personal service. For more information and a FREE CONSULTATION, contact Keith at (303)355-7202.