When visiting a business, you expect to be safe. Unfortunately, businesses in Atlanta can be full of hazards. Most people think little of rugs and carpeting, but they can be one of the top reasons for slip and fall accidents.
A loose rug is a risk in any business. Loose rugs lead to slips, trips, and falls, all of which can cause varying degrees of injury.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a slip and fall accident in the Atlanta area, we want to help. Call now and speak to an expert slip and fall attorney at Metro Atlanta Law Group.
Continue reading to learn about the serious hazards that can result from ripped carpeting or loose rugs. Below, you will learn why it is so important to seek an experienced attorney to help with your claim.
Why Are Damaged Carpets and Loose Rugs So Dangerous?
According to the CDC, around 3 million older people are treated in emergency rooms for falls each year. Many of these falls are due to ripped carpeting or loose rugs.
Almost 3/4 of rug injuries happen at home, while many others occur in businesses and other locations. These accidents can often be prevented when property owners maintain their premises.
When a carpet is ripped or unsecured, it causes the foot to fall out of its natural movement. This misstep throws the body forward or backward, causing it to become unbalanced and falls to occur.
Loose Carpeting and Rugs Are a Hazard
When carpeting or rugs are not secured properly, they can slip out of place when being walked on and can cause serious injuries. Gripper pads placed under carpets and rugs can help to prevent them from slipping.
Uneven Carpeting Is a Hazard
When carpeting is installed in a property, it must be secured carefully. Over time, the pins and adhesive can begin to wear down and cause the carpet to bunch up and become wavy.
Unfortunately, it is not always easy to see uneven carpeting. If a person steps on uneven carpeting, they can lose their footing and experience a serious fall.
Property owners must take action to fix uneven carpeting issues and ensure the carpeting inside their properties is safe for visitors.
Ripped Carpeting Is a Hazard
Another carpeting hazard is ripped carpeting. Rips and snags can cause a person’s foot to get caught in the flooring and cause them to come crashing down. When a property owner sees their carpeting is torn or snagged, they must call in the professionals to have it repaired or replaced right away.
How Can a Premises Liability Attorney Help You?
Premises liability is a somewhat difficult personal injury case to pursue. Often, the property owner will try to deny liability. Sometimes, they even work to try to push the blame on the injured accident victim.
Although you have the right to pursue financial compensation without legal help, this is not something we advise. Our attorneys fight every day for injured victims, and we know how aggressive insurance companies can become.
First, we meet with you to evaluate your case for free. If we feel you are owed financial compensation, we will advise you of your legal options.
Immediately, we begin investigating your slip and fall accident to start gathering evidence. We contact the property owner and send a demand letter to ask for financial restitution for your damages.
We also contact the property owner’s insurance company to file a claim. Our attorneys are determined to get the best possible settlement offer from the insurance company. When an offer comes in, we will advise you on whether you should accept.
While personal injury claims are often settled without going to court, there is a possibility you will need to file a lawsuit. Lawsuits are especially needed if the property owner denies fault or your claim with the insurance company is denied.
Injured victims should never be forced to face the insurance company or the negotiation process alone. We will be there beside you every step of the way.
Do Not Settle For Less Than You Deserve
One of the biggest regrets injured accident victims often have is settling for too little. Before you settle, you need to be released from the doctor because you have recovered or will not get better.
In addition to your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, you can pursue financial compensation for future medical care. Settling too early or for too little could mean you do not get a fair outcome.
If the insurance company or property owner sends you a check, do not cash it without allowing us to review the amount. Although you are not forced to follow our advice, we will advise you on whether or not it is a worthy offer and if it should be accepted.
How to Avoid Slip and Falls on Ripped Carpeting?
There is no way to cut the risks of a slip and fall accident 100%, but you can decrease the odds by staying alert and noticing your surroundings. Before traveling across a carpet in any business, look for signs of damage.
Wear comfortable shoes, and avoid wearing high heels or slippery shoes. Take your time when walking in unfamiliar locations. Do not walk while you are distracted and not paying full attention.
Call for Your Free Case Evaluation
When you slip and fall because of ripped or loose carpeting, your world comes crashing down around you. While you may not feel the pain right away because of shock, you could be seriously injured.
First, seek medical care and file a police report if necessary. Next, call Metro Atlanta Law Group to schedule a free case evaluation. Our slip and fall accident attorneys are standing by right now to speak with you.
You do not have to fight this fight alone! Allow us to protect your rights and best interests as we pursue the compensation you are owed for your slip and fall accident.
