Slip and Fall Attorneys in Rhode Island
Did you slip and fall on a Rhode Island property and suffer an injury because the owner failed to maintain safe premises? Mike and his team of Rhode Island slip-and-fall attorneys at Bottaro Law want to pursue maximum compensation for you from the negligent property owner.
Bottaro Law is dedicated to the principle that accident victims should not have to pay for their physical, emotional, and financial pain and suffering when someone else is to blame for a slip-and-fall accident in Rhode Island. We have helped recover millions of dollars in settlements, benefits, and awards for our clients. We can help you, too.
Contact Bottaro Law today to speak with one of our dedicated slip-and-fall accident lawyers in Rhode Island during a free initial consultation. With our 24/7 free case review and exclusive No Fee Guarantee®, you get top-rated legal advice with no cost to you until we win your case.
What Is a Slip-and-Fall Case?
A slip-and-fall case arises when a person slips or trips and falls and suffers an injury because of a hazardous condition on someone else’s property. The slip-and-fall victim could hold the property owner or other responsible party liable for their injuries if the at-fault party failed to maintain safe conditions or warn visitors of hazardous conditions.
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Rhode Island
Slip-and-fall accidents can occur for various reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Wet or slippery surfaces – Wet surfaces caused by spills, leaks, rain, or ice are common causes of slip-and-fall accidents in Rhode Island. Recently cleaned or waxed floors can also present slip-and-fall hazards, for example.
- Uneven or cracked surfaces – Uneven or cracked surfaces in parking lots, on sidewalks, or in buildings can cause a person to fall.
- Poor lighting – Inadequate lighting can make it difficult for a guest to see potential hazards and increase the risk of a slip-and-fall accident.
- Loose flooring material – According to the National Flooring Safety Institute (NFSI), flooring materials contribute to more than 2 million fall injuries annually. Loose flooring might include carpets, rugs, or tiles.
- Cluttered walkways – Walkways with clutter, such as in offices, homes, or businesses, present falling hazards for guests.
- Defective stairs or hand railings – Stairs and hand railings should be sturdy and dependable. If they are faulty, a person could fall and severely injure themselves.
Most Common Slip-and-Fall Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of five falls causes a serious injury. The following are common injuries caused by slip-and-fall accidents:
- Fractures – According to the NFSI, 5 percent of all fall victims suffer a fracture. Fractures can occur to any bone in the body, but hip fractures are prevalent and dangerous. According to the CDC, falls cause over 95 percent of all hip fractures. Other frequent fracture sites include wrists and ankles.
- Dislocations – A slip-and-fall accident could cause a joint to become dislocated. Frequent dislocation sites include shoulders, elbows, ankles, and knees.
- Contusions – A contusion often develops at the impact site when the body strikes the ground or floor hard. Some contusions heal over time, but severe contusions may be signs of serious complications and require treatment from a medical professional.
- Soft tissue injuries – A slip-and-fall can cause a sprain, which occurs when a ligament gets stretched or torn, or a strain, which occurs when a muscle or tendon gets stretched or torn.
- Back and spine injuries – Slip-and-fall accidents can cause back injuries such as herniated discs or spinal cord injuries, for example.
- Traumatic brain injuries – According to the CDC, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage resulting in lifelong disabilities.