Blog

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Greenwood, the team at Brown, Bass & Jeter is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions, and when they fail to do so, innocent people can suffer serious injuries. Our slip and fall lawyer understands the complexities of premises liability law and will fight to protect your rights every step of the way. Call us today at (601) 327-4024 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward justice.

Types of Slip and Fall Injuries That Can Lead to Compensation in Mississippi

Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. When they occur, they can lead to serious injuries that may affect your life for weeks, months, or even longer. In Mississippi, if you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you might be entitled to compensation. However, it’s not always easy to know if you have a valid claim or which types of injuries qualify for compensation. 

Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents in Mississippi

A slip and fall injury occurs when a person loses their balance and falls as a result of hazardous conditions on someone else’s property. These accidents often happen on wet floors, icy sidewalks, poorly lit areas, or uneven pavement. In Mississippi, property owners are required to maintain safe conditions on their premises, especially when they invite others to visit. If a dangerous condition exists and causes an injury, the property owner may be held liable for damages.

In order to receive compensation for a slip and fall injury, you need to prove that the property owner was negligent in some way. This could involve showing that they failed to maintain the property or didn’t fix a known hazard. There are several types of injuries that can result from slip and fall accidents, and some of these injuries are more likely to lead to compensation than others.

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

1. Fractures and Broken Bones

One of the most common and serious injuries from a slip and fall accident is a fracture or broken bone. Depending on the severity of the fall, you could suffer from a broken arm, leg, wrist, ankle, or even ribs. These types of injuries can lead to months of medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.

In many cases, the severity of the injury depends on where you fall and the impact of the fall. For example, falling from a higher height, such as down a flight of stairs, is more likely to cause serious fractures than slipping on a flat surface. Broken bones often require costly medical care, and in some cases, long-term disability. This makes them one of the most common injuries that may qualify you for compensation in Mississippi.

2. Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe injuries that can occur in a slip and fall accident. These injuries can range from minor strains to permanent paralysis. Even a seemingly minor fall can lead to serious damage to the spine, particularly if the victim lands in an awkward position.

When a person sustains a spinal injury, they may face long-term pain, reduced mobility, and in some cases, complete paralysis. Treatment for spinal cord injuries is often expensive and may require long-term care. If you’ve suffered a spinal injury as a result of a slip and fall, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

3. Head and Brain Injuries

Another serious type of injury that often occurs during slip and fall accidents is head trauma, including concussions and more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries can have a lasting impact on a person’s health and quality of life. Even a minor bump to the head can result in long-term symptoms like dizziness, memory loss, headaches, or difficulty concentrating.

Traumatic brain injuries can be particularly complex to diagnose and treat. In some cases, victims may not immediately experience symptoms, but the effects can worsen over time. If you sustain a head injury in a slip and fall accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately, even if the injury doesn’t seem serious at first. In Mississippi, if your head injury is caused by unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you may have a valid claim for compensation.

4. Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are less visible than fractures or head injuries, but they can be just as painful. These injuries include sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, ligaments, or tendons. They often occur when a person twists, pulls, or overextends their body during a fall. Soft tissue injuries may not always require surgery, but they can result in chronic pain, swelling, and difficulty performing everyday tasks.

Many soft tissue injuries, like back sprains or knee injuries, require extended periods of rest, physical therapy, or medication to fully recover. If your slip and fall injury involves soft tissue damage, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.

5. Knee and Hip Injuries

Knee and hip injuries are particularly common among older adults who suffer slip and fall accidents. These injuries can include dislocated joints, torn ligaments, fractures, or fractures to the pelvic bone. Because the knee and hip are weight-bearing joints, injuries to these areas can be debilitating and can affect a person’s ability to walk, work, or engage in daily activities.

For older individuals, knee and hip injuries are often more severe and may require surgeries, such as joint replacement. These surgeries can be expensive and have long recovery times. If you’ve sustained a knee or hip injury due to a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the costs of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages.

How Mississippi Law Affects Your Claim

In Mississippi, premises liability law holds property owners responsible for ensuring their premises are safe for visitors. This includes addressing any hazardous conditions, like wet floors, cracked sidewalks, or poor lighting. If you’re injured in a slip and fall accident due to a property owner’s failure to address these hazards, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

However, Mississippi follows a “comparative fault” rule, meaning that if you are partially responsible for the accident (for example, if you weren’t paying attention), your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. This is why it’s important to document the scene of the accident, gather evidence, and work with a personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the complexities of your case.

Seeking Compensation After a Slip and Fall Injury

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Mississippi, the first step is to seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s important to have them assessed by a doctor, as some injuries may not show symptoms immediately.

Next, it’s crucial to document the scene of the accident, including taking photos of the hazard that caused your fall and gathering contact information from any witnesses. Finally, reach out to a personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation for your injuries.

Slip and fall accidents can be life-changing, but with the right legal representation, you can recover damages for your injuries and begin the healing process.

Don’t Let a Fall Set You Back — Call a Greenwood Slip and Fall Lawyer Who Fights for You

When an unexpected slip and fall turns your life upside down, you need a legal team that understands what’s at stake. At Brown, Bass & Jeter, our slip and fall lawyer is here to stand by your side, hold negligent property owners accountable, and help you pursue full and fair compensation. Let us handle the legal stress so you can focus on healing. Call (601) 327-4024 today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward getting your life back on track