Slip And Fall Work Accident Attorney in Cincinnati

Slip and fall accidents are very common workplace accidents, accounting for a quarter of all workplace injuries. In fact, according to OSHA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there has been an upward trend of slip and fall cases in the workplace since 2011, with nearly 700 fatalities and thousands more non-fatal injuries.

Of course, some occupations have a higher risk for injury than others, but all occupations pose some risk of a serious slip and fall accident. If you are injured in a slip and fall accident at work, you have the right to obtain workers’ compensation benefits to compensate for your injury and lost wages. Cincinnati workers’ compensation attorney Mark L. Newman will further explain slip and fall accidents at work and what to do after experiencing one. 

Causes of a Slip and Fall Accident at Work

There are many things that may create a serious risk of a workplace fall. Some of these include:

• Slippery or wet floors, often due to uncleaned spills (grease, oil, water, soaps, etc.) and a lack of wet floor signs
• Damaged or uneven flooring 
• Weather hazards (rain, snow, ice, etc.)
• Loose rugs or mats
• Unmarked stairs
• Lack of hand railing on stairs
• Narrow stairway
• Poor lighting
• Loose cables
• Clutter on the floor
• Potholes in parking lots
• Debris in walkways

Wearing the wrong type of shoes, running, and not paying attention to your surroundings can also increase the risk of a slip and fall worker injuries.

Slip and Fall Accident Injuries

Slip and fall injuries can range from minor injuries to serious injuries. Injured employees may experience broken bones, fractures, and dislocations of fingers, wrists, elbows, and ankles, as well as knee and shoulder injuries. Other common injuries from slip and fall accidents include soft tissue injuries, concussions, back injuries and neck injuries.

If you suffered injuries, whether relatively minor or disabling injuries, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after your accident. A physician should properly diagnose and treat your injuries so you can begin the healing process right away. Note that delayed symptoms are common, especially if injuries are not visible and occur internally. It can take hours or even days for some injuries to fully form. Early action and treatment can help prevent your work-related injury from worsening while also ensuring you have medical records available for your future personal injury lawsuit and/or workers’ compensation claim. 

Slip and Fall Workers’ Compensation Benefits

If you suffered an injury from a workplace accident, you have the right to demand compensation through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance and receive workers’ compensation benefits. There are several different types of benefits you may be eligible for as a result of your slip and fall claim. It ultimately depends on the extent of your injury and how it affects your ability to work. 

Below are the different types of workers’ compensation benefits in Ohio:

• Temporary Total Disability
• Permanent Total Disability
• Permanent Partial Disability
• Wage Loss Compensation
• Scheduled Loss Award
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Living Maintenance
• Lump Sum Settlement

Slip and Fall at Work Settlements

If you are injured in a slip and fall accident on the job in Ohio, it might be in your best interest to settle the claim. You can enter into a full and final settlement or a partial settlement for the medical or indemnity portion of the claim. Most settlements are paid in a lump sum. However, some larger settlements are paid in installments over a period of  time.

Ohio workers’ comp settlement amounts will depend on many factors, such as the type of work injuries, the severity of the injury, and the type of compensation you may be entitled to. More specifically, your attorney will consider the following factors when determining compensation for a slip-and-fall accident settlement:

• Future medical treatment.
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Temporary or permanent disability

Keep in mind, however, that settling workers’ compensation claims may not always be the best option. It is best to discuss the circumstances surrounding your case with a knowledgeable workers’ comp attorney to see which option might be the best for you.

What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you’ve been involved in a slip and fall accident, you should first focus on getting medical attention for your injuries. It is best practice to seek prompt medical treatment, preferably on the same day the accident happened. It is important that you tell your medical care provider(s) all the details surrounding the accident, including when, where, and how you were injured. Documenting the history of the injury will help protect your right to workers’ compensation later on. Failure to seek medical treatment in a timely manner or to properly document the history of your injury may result in your employer contesting your claim. 

It is equally important to report the injury to your employer and to complete a written incident report. You will also need to file a workers’ comp claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. The statute of limitations for filing a workers’ comp claim in Ohio is one year. Failure to file a claim within one year from the date of injury may preclude your right to receive workers’ comp benefits for your injury.

It is also in your best interest to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney like Mark L. Newman after a slip and fall accident occurs. Having a considerate, reputable, and experienced attorney who will work diligently on your behalf can help ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your workplace slip and fall accident claim.

Slip and Fall Accident at Work? Call Cincinnati Workers’ Comp Attorney Mark L. Newman Today

Even in the safest of workplaces, slip and fall accidents happen, and they may lead to minor or even severe injuries. Fortunately, workers’ compensation insurance is in place for this very reason. If you’ve been injured on the job and seek benefits, you need a law firm with years of experience navigating the Ohio workers’ comp legal system. 

Attorney at Law Mark L. Newman has served as a top workers’ comp lawyer in the Cincinnati area for over 30 years. Once you establish an attorney-client relationship with Mr. Newman, he will help you pursue the benefits you need and ensure you receive fair and just compensation for your injury claim, all while protecting your legal rights. Call (513) 533-2009 to schedule a consultation today.