Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, and losing a loved one in this type of accident can leave families with emotional, physical, and financial challenges.
For over 25 years, our team at Maschka Personal Injury has been advocating for victims injured in slip and fall accidents caused by someone else’s negligence. We also advocate for families who have lost loved ones in fatal slip and fall accidents in Mankato and the surrounding areas.
If you recently experienced a tragedy like this, please know that you do not have to deal with this burden on your own. In addition to our legal skill and experience, our slip and fall attorneys have built a reputation for our compassion and support. Our team is ready to advocate for you throughout your legal case.
Slipping and falling is somewhat common throughout life and often results in only minor injuries. Many people may struggle to imagine a slip and fall accident in Mankato resulting in death. Sadly, this does occur. Below are just a few of the factors that can turn a slip and fall accident into a fatal one.
Many victims of slip and fall accidents suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) if their head hits the ground or another hard surface. TBIs can range from moderate to severe, or they can be fatal. If a victim fell backward and was unable to break their fall in any way, the force to their head could be strong enough to cause death.
Falls are much more likely to be fatal if the victim is elderly or has medical conditions that could be exacerbated by a fall. This is why it is so important to take preventative measures to avoid slip and fall accidents in nursing homes, retirement communities, and hospitals.
Stairs that do not provide traction can easily become slippery if wet. Slipping on stairs can be fatal if it leads to a significant tumble down the steps, or the victim suffers head or neck trauma. Slip and fall accidents can also result in a fall from height, such as slipping off a rooftop or balcony with inadequate safety rails.
In some cases, victims die immediately at the scene of the accident. However, they may survive long enough to receive treatment but eventually succumb to their injuries.
If a slip and fall accident results in serious but non-fatal injuries, a premises liability claim is the appropriate legal avenue for seeking compensation. In this type of lawsuit, a victim alleges that a hazardous condition on private property caused them harm due to the property owner’s negligence.
In the case of a Mankato fatal slip and fall accident—where the victim cannot serve as the plaintiff—an appointed representative, known as a trustee, can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the owner of the property.
The allegations of property owner negligence might be the same, but the type of lawsuit and the damages sought would be different. Wrongful death damages are meant to compensate the family of the deceased for damages such as:
Our attorneys are knowledgeable about both personal injury and wrongful death law. We can help you understand your full legal rights and options after the death of a loved one.
At Maschka Personal Injury, we understand that fatal slip and fall accidents in Mankato often leave surviving loved ones with a sense of profound grief and uncertainty about the future. We offer free initial consultations so that you can get answers to your questions and contemplate next steps with the guidance of a lawyer. Contact us today and share your story with one of our caring and attentive attorneys.
