Falling and breaking a bone is a very stressful and scary occurrence. According to the CDC, one in five falls results in a broken bone, and more than 800,000 people are hospitalized for a fall injury every year. While some falls might be unavoidable, others can be traced back to negligence or hazardous conditions. If you’ve ever stumbled or fallen because of a wet floor in a public place, you were a victim of carelessness. A Chicago personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve if you slip and fall due to someone else’s negligence.
Understanding the Nature and Impact of Broken Bones
Broken bones may range from a broken finger to broken ribs, legs, and even more complex fractures that may need extensive surgery to repair. A transverse fracture is simply a clean snap. A comminuted or compound fracture often requires surgery and entails a much longer healing time.
Healing time for a transverse fracture may be short and simple, involving simply a sling, brace, cast or splint, and some Ibuprofen. On the other hand, for a comminuted fracture, healing may take months. Some of the common results of a lengthy recovery time are:
- Numerous doctor visits and physical therapy appointments
- Time lost from work – which may cause career setbacks
- Strain on a marriage or romantic relationship
- Additional surgeries
A more complex break requires longer to heal. In addition to lost time from work and the inability to enjoy sports or take care of a family, there is often a fair amount of pain. Pain medication is often highly addictive, leading to even more problems.
People over fifty experience broken bones more often because they may suffer from some degree of osteoporosis. They also have a longer recovery process and the long-term effects of the break are more severe than those in younger people. A broken foot, for example, may lead to impaired mobility for the rest of their life.
When a Fall is Legally Actionable
There are many causes of falls that result in broken bones. If you are in a store and you reach for something on a shelf above your head, it may fall on you causing you to lose balance and fall. You may fall on a wet floor. You may fall because a step is uneven.
In Illinois, the Premises Liability Act says that any place where the public is invited to come must be safe and free from hazards. If not, and a fall occurs, the owner of the premises is responsible. A civil lawsuit may be the only way to get the premises owner to admit liability and pay monetary damages.
An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to handle what’s called a “slip and fall” claim. He or she can advise you on your legal rights, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate in court if needed. When a trial is the only way to resolve it, you need someone not afraid to try a case. Call us today to discuss your case and we can help you take the best action to be made whole again.