When the concrete is uneven or there is a sidewalk uplift, a slip, trip and fall can occur.
Slip and Fall Accidents on Concrete
Concrete slip and fall accidents can have catastrophic, unforgiving results, causing significant injuries. Concrete can be found everywhere, from ramps and steps leading into a government building to sidewalks and private driveways. Because of its hardness, concrete is durable. However, this attribute is why a slip and fall accident can cause such disastrous injuries.
Concrete Slip and Fall Accidents in Washington, D.C.
Concrete abounds in Washington, D.C. Slip, trip, and fall accidents occur all over the city, At Roeser Law Firm, we have helped residents recover the financial damages such accidents cause. This includes all medical expenses associated with the injury and time lost at work due to the accident. It also includes the pain and suffering the person experiences when a slip and fall accident occurs. Pain and suffering include physical pain and also emotional trauma and psychological pain the concrete slip and fall accident causes.
In some cases, the victim will die due to a slip and fall. Most of the time the fatality happens due to traumatic brain injury. Striking one’s head on concrete can cause a subdural hematoma or hemorrhage into the brain. In these cases, the family can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Wrongful Death Due to a Negligent Slip and Fall Injury
A wrongful death lawsuit is one where the family is compensated for the loss of a loved one. Family members are able to file against the negligent party. They receive the following:
- Cost of funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the financial care the loved one would have provided
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of emotional guidance
- Loss of consortium
- The need to pay for household jobs the decedent would have done had they lived
How Do Slip and Falls Happen
The following are ways that concrete slip and fall accidents happen:
- When the concrete is uneven or there is a sidewalk uplift, a slip, trip and fall can occur.
- The concrete is slippery due to sidewalk treatment such as stamped concrete. When this is done the concrete is cut to shapes that resemble brick. The surface of the concrete is slippery and the root of many concrete slip and fall accidents. There is an anti-slip ingredient that can be added to make the concrete less slippery. If the contractor fails to do this, they can be considered negligent.
- Polished concrete garage floors to improve the look of the floor are another way a slip and fall accident occurs. The polished floor becomes slippery when wet or if grease is spilled. Anti-slip additives can be added to prevent slipping. Such non-slip additives must be reapplied frequently.
Proving the Contractor Was Negligent
It is necessary to prove that the contractor is negligent. ASTM International provides guidelines that can accomplish this. ASTM F1637 – 13 is used to see if the contractor followed standards to keep concrete safe. If the guidelines are ignored, the contractor can become liable for accidents.
The Roeser Law Firm
If you suffered a slip and fall in Washington, D.C., call the Roeser Law Firm at (202) 660-4070. We will investigate your claim and file a lawsuit against the negligent entity. If you wish, use our online claim form to get in touch.
