Hospitals are meant to be safe places for patients, staff, and visitors. Unfortunately, slips, trips, and falls can happen in any setting. If you or a loved one slipped and fell at the hospital, you may be wondering if you have any legal recourse.
Hospitals are not immune to premises liability lawsuits. In fact, hospitals can be held liable for slip and fall accidents in several ways. Some prevalent causes of a slip and fall at a hospital include wet or icy floors, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, loose or damaged flooring, and cluttered walkways.
What To Do If You Slipped And Fell At The Hospital
If you or a loved one has slipped and fallen at the hospital, it is important to take steps to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights. First, take pictures of the scene of the accident and any injuries you suffered. This evidence will be crucial later on if you decide to file a lawsuit.
Next, make sure to report the accident to hospital staff (and get a copy of the report). Be sure to get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Witnesses will be invaluable later on if your case goes to trial.
Make sure you also seek medical attention for any injuries you suffered in the accident. The sooner you receive treatment, the easier it will be to prove that the injuries were caused by the accident. Finally, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Who Is Liable For A Slip And Fall Accident At The Hospital?
In general, hospitals are liable for theseaccidents that occur on their property. This includes both indoor and outdoor areas.
Hospitals can be held liable for these accidents in multiple ways. For instance, a hospital may be liable if it failed to properly maintain the premises. This could include failing to clear snow and ice from walkways, failing to fix broken stairs or railings, and failing to clean up spilled liquids.
A hospital may also be liable if it failed to warn patients and visitors of potential hazards. This could include not posting warning signs about wet or icy floors, or clearing up spills and hazards as soon as they occur.
However, there are a few exceptions. For example, hospitals may not be liable if the accident was caused by the negligence of the injured person. Hospitals may also be exempt from liability if the injured person was trespassing on hospital property at the time of the accident.
What Damages Can I Recover In A Slip And Fall Lawsuit Against The Hospital?
If you or a loved one slipped and fell at the hospital, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. The attorney can help you determine if you have a valid claim and guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit.
If you decide to sue the hospital, you may recover several types of damages. These include your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other compensatory damages.
In some cases, you may also recover punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded in order to punish the defendant for their egregious behavior.
Conclusion
It is important to note that the amount of damages you can recover will vary depending on the facts of your case. If you or a loved one has slipped and fallen at the hospital, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you determine your best course of action.
