Learn about your legal options after a fatal fall accident

Preventable deaths have reached an all-time high in the United States, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). The NSC reports that in 2016, falls are the leading cause of preventable death among adults age 65 and older. While older Americans are most at risk of death from falls, falls are a common cause of serious injuries and people of all ages remain at risk of dying from fall injuries.

Why Falls Are Deadly

Falls from heights and slip or trip falls on flat ground can result in serious and potentially deadly injuries. Some of the types of fall injuries that can be fatal include:

  • Brain or head injuries.
  • Spinal cord injuries.
  • Broken hips or necks.

A person may die quickly from her injuries, or treatment for the injuries may ultimately be unsuccessful and death may occur days, weeks, or even months after the fall accident.

What to Do If You’ve Lost a Loved One in a Fall Accident

You have suffered a devastating loss because someone else’s negligence caused your loved one to suffer a fatal injury. However, in order to recover damages for your loss you will need to take action. Specifically, you will need to:

  • Gather evidence about the cause of your loved one’s fall. Even though your loved one has paid the ultimate price, you will not be able to recover damages unless you can prove that someone else—such as property owner—is legally responsible for your loved one’s death.
     
  • Make sure that you have legal standing to bring a lawsuit. Typically, the administrator of a person’s estate has the legal right to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the estate.
     
  • Talk to an attorney about your rights and the potential benefits of pursuing a wrongful death case. Nothing will bring your loved one back, but you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, pain, suffering and other damages.

To learn more about what you can do to protect your rights after losing a loved one in a fall accident, please contact us today for a free consultation.

Jason F. Abraham
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Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.