Older citizens who are living out the twilight years of their lives may be at a high risk of life-changing injuries due to slip and fall accidents.
The only problem is that slip and fall injuries in Colorado are a complicated affair because it’s not always obvious which party is at fault. This makes it important to work with an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Denver to navigate the complicated laws and maximize your chances of getting compensation.
At Bourassa Law Group, our slip and fall accident lawyers in Colorado know the law inside and out. Dedicated to helping senior citizens and injured people, our attorneys are ready to provide you with the representation that you deserve. Our primary objective is to help you get back to your normal routine after a slip and injury in an assisted living facility.
But who really is liable for these injuries?
The Basics of Premise Liability
Many of these slip and fall injuries fall under a term known as ‘premises liability.’ Our Colorado slip and fall attorney can help you file premises liability claims when the injuries are a result of negligence (attributable to the property owner or management). This usually occurs when the property allows hazardous conditions to fester, such as a slippery floor, that could lead to a fall.
If you or your loved one has been injured at an assisted living facility, whether as a resident or a visitor, you will be required to prove that the facility was negligent and their actions led to the injury.
Older adults are at a higher risk of slip and fall injuries, so not all cases of a fall may be attributed to negligence. This is why it is important to seek legal advice from a Denver premises liability lawyer who will review your claim and decide the best course of action.
Understanding the Risk Factors for Slip and Fall Injuries
Simply put, a slip and fall accident usually occurs when a person slips while on the premises of an assisted living facility. This may be caused by poor maintenance or negligence from the employees.
The causes of these slip and fall accidents may vary and are a major safety concern for these assisted living facilities. Moreover, they can also result in serious injuries and even death.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common risk factors of these accidents:
- Untrained staff members: There are instances when the staff member may not be trained to manage the workload of several older adults.
- Not enough staff members on premises: Many facilities simply do not have enough personnel to help the residents, which can lead to a higher risk of slip and fall injuries.
- Poorly maintained equipment: Some facilities may choose to buy poorly designed equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, and other devices. To make things worse, they may not be taking appropriate care of these devices, which further adds to their wear and tear.
- Physical impairment: Residents of assisted living facilities are usually older citizens with chronic illnesses that increase their likelihood of slip and fall injuries.
- Use of medications: It isn’t uncommon for older citizens to be under heavy medication for their illnesses, which could lead to dizziness and confusion, all of which can increase the risk of slip and fall injuries.
- Cognitive impairment: Seniors with cognitive impairments such as dementia may have difficulty avoiding hazards that could lead to slip and fall injuries.
In some cases, slip and fall injuries could lead to lifelong pain and suffering for the victim. When this happens, it is recommended to hire an injury attorney in Denver to file a claim against the assisted living facility.
The Fight to Prove Your Premises Liability Claim
Assisted living facilities have lawyers ready to have the case diminished or minimize your compensation. They may use a line of interrogative tactics to accomplish this and dissociate from your claim.
Facility lawyers often do this by preparing detailed questions that you may be required to complete. These answers are then scrutinized and cross-verified with your statement, evidence, witnesses, and others. Anything you say will be used against you in court. Make sure to go over these questions with our premises liability attorney in Denver before filling them out.
Wrapping Up
There are several causes for slip and fall injuries in assisted living facilities – from slippery floors to poorly maintained environments. Staff members are required to take every precaution in order to minimize the risk to their residents.
Residents should be provided support at all times to prevent slip and fall injuries, such as exercising and wearing appropriate footwear. However, if a slip and fall accident does occur, you should collect as much evidence as possible and reach out to our experienced slip and fall accident lawyer in Colorado.
At Bourassa Law Group, our personal injury lawyers in Denver, Colorado, can help you hold the assisted living facility accountable. Dial 800-870-891 and get access to our highly experienced and empathetic attorneys who are driven to help you get the maximum possible compensation you deserve.
1-800-870-8910