When you’re injured on someone else’s property, you may wonder whether you have a premises liability claim or if your case falls under a slip and fall accident. While both involve injuries caused by unsafe property conditions, there are key differences between the two. At High Stakes Injury Law, we have years of experience helping injury victims in Las Vegas and the surrounding Nevada area navigate complex claims and fight for the compensation they deserve.
In this blog, we’ll break down the difference between premises liability and slip and fall accidents, common injuries, and what legal options may be available to you.
What is Premises Liability?
A premises liability claim occurs when a property owner fails to keep their property safe, leading to injuries. While slip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of premises liability claims, other situations can also fall under this category, including:
- Inadequate property maintenance
- Dog bites or animal attacks
- Negligent security leading to assault
- Elevator and escalator accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Fires or electrocutions
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
In general, if an unsafe condition on a property caused your injury due to the owner’s negligence, you may have a premises liability claim. However, if an injury happened due to your own inattention or carelessness, pursuing compensation may be more challenging. Consulting a trusted Nevada premises liability attorney is the best way to determine whether you have a valid claim.
What is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident is a specific type of premises liability claim that occurs when someone is injured due to a hazardous walking surface. These accidents often happen due to:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Uneven sidewalks or flooring
- Loose rugs or torn carpeting
- Broken or missing steps
- Cluttered walkways
- Lack of handrails
While slip and fall injuries may seem minor, they can result in serious medical issues that require extensive treatment. If your fall was caused by a Las Vegas property owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
The Consequences of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall injuries can have serious, long-lasting consequences, especially for older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls.
- Falls result in over 800,000 hospitalizations annually, mostly due to head injuries and hip fractures.
Common serious injuries from slip and fall accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Head injuries from falls can cause memory loss, difficulty concentrating, seizures, and long-term cognitive problems.
- Severe TBIs may require lifelong care and rehabilitation.
Bone Fractures
- Hip, wrist, and pelvic fractures are common and can lead to long-term mobility issues.
- According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), bone fractures can also impact mental health, causing fear of falling again and limiting daily activities.
Soft Tissue Injuries
- Sprains, ligament tears, and dislocations can severely limit mobility and require extended recovery periods.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be necessary for a full recovery.
Spinal Cord and Nerve Damage
- Severe spinal injuries can result in paralysis or permanent nerve damage.
- The Mayo Clinic reports that approximately 31% of spinal cord injuries are caused by falls.
If a slip and fall injury was caused by a property owner’s negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
Dangerous Conditions That Can Lead to Premises Liability Claims
Property owners in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions on their premises. If you were injured due to dangerous or hazardous conditions, you may have legal options. Common unsafe conditions that lead to premises liability claims include:
- Broken flooring or uneven sidewalks
- Slippery floors without warning signs
- Exposed wiring or electrical hazards
- Uncovered manholes or potholes
- Lack of proper lighting in walkways and stairwells
- Blocked emergency exits
- Inadequate security or surveillance
If any of these hazards contributed to your injury, you may be able to file a claim against the property owner for failing to maintain a safe environment.
Contact the Las Vegas Premises Liability Lawyers at High Stakes Injury Law Today
If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property in Las Vegas, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At High Stakes Injury Law, we can:
- Evaluate your case to determine if you have a premises liability or slip and fall claim.
- Gather crucial evidence, including accident reports, security footage, and witness statements.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to seek fair compensation.
- Fight for your rights in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
Premises liability and slip and fall claims can be complex, but you deserve to understand your rights and options. If you’ve been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, our team at High Stakes Injury Law is ready to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (702) 605-6671 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.