You may think that only elderly people need concern themselves about slipping and falling. However, we at Harriss and Hartman Law Firm have been representing fall victims in Georgia since 1972. Therefore, we know that injury from a fall can occur regardless of age, from the elderly to young children.
It is true that, according to the National Institute on Aging, your risk for a fall increases as you grow older. Fall-related injuries can also be more serious for an older adult due to underlying medical conditions such as osteoporosis, which weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to fracture. However, younger people are not impervious to potential slipping hazards, such as slippery floors or broken sidewalks, nor are they immune to the potential injuries that a fall can cause, including spinal cord injuries, neck and/or back injuries, concussions or broken bones.
That is why the law requires all property owners, whether it be a commercial or residential property, to keep the premises safe by removing, repairing, cleaning or clearly identifying potential slipping hazards on the property. If a property owner neglects to do this, he or she is responsible for any slip-and-fall accidents that may result.
Here are a few things to remember if you do suffer a slip-and-fall accident:
- Stay calm
- Take a few deep breaths
- If injured, do not move or try to get up
- Carry a mobile phone with you so that you can call 911 if injured in a fall.
Though common, slip-and-fall accidents can nevertheless result in serious injury. More information about slip-and-fall accidents is available on our website.
