At this time of year, when the Minnesota temperatures hover in the teens and twenties, you can expect that any precipitation that falls will freeze when it hits the ground. This is not something new, and property owners should expect that sudden changes in the weather may mean changes in the conditions of their sidewalks, parking lots and building floors.
Ice, water and even salt can create a slick surface that can result in a hard fall. If you strike your head when you fall, you may suffer a traumatic brain injury, which may mean a significant change in life as you know it.
Common fall hazards
Slipping or tripping and falling are among the most common ways to incur a brain injury. Whether your head strikes the floor or some other object as you fall, the bruising or bleeding that may occur in your brain can lead to many complications for you. Icy weather conditions are only one hazard that can result in a fall. Even on a clear, warm day, you may encounter any of the following or other risks that a negligent property owner should have taken precautions to correct:
- Extension cords stretched across pathways
- Entrances with work mats that have curled edges or loose fibers
- Torn carpeting, broken floor tiles or loose floorboards
- Uneven surfaces on sidewalks, floors or other public areas
- Clutter or debris in hallways, aisles or stair landings
- Poor lighting, especially in stairwells
- Wet floors from mopping or waxing
In order to hold liability for your injuries, a property owner must be aware that the hazard exists and still neglect to remedy the situation. You may have a challenging time proving that the property owner was negligent and that his or her negligence resulted in your fall in order to claim the compensation you need and deserve.
Protect your future
Pursuing compensation for a brain injury after a trip, slip and fall accident may be your best chance of obtaining the kinds of medical treatment and services you will need to recover and resume as normal a life as possible. Depending on the severity of your brain injury, you may require a lifetime of care, special therapy and rehabilitation.
It is difficult to predict the outcome of a brain injury, so you will want every chance for the most complete recovery possible. An attorney will know the laws in Minnesota and how they relate to your situation.
