We might’ve thought it was funny to see someone fall when we were kids. As adults, we should know it’s not a laughing matter. People are severely injured and killed by falls every day. If someone loses their balance, falls, and is injured by another party’s negligence, they may collect compensation for their injuries. If the injury is fatal, family members may be able to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Tyler Fleck represents those seriously injured and the family members of those killed due to falls caused by others’ negligence. If you’re in this situation, call us at (270) 446-7000 to learn more about your legal rights.
Fall Causes KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley’s Death
The death of Ace Frehley, a guitarist and founding member of the rock band KISS, was announced in October. He died at age 74 due to blunt-force trauma caused by an accidental fall, according to New Jersey’s Morris County medical examiner, reports the Los Angeles Times. Frehley reportedly suffered fractures to his skull and his brain bled due to a September fall in his music studio. He apparently survived the fall but eventually succumbed to his injuries.
We don’t know what caused his fall, or if another’s negligence played a role, but Frehley’s death is a reminder of the harm a fall can inflict.
Fall-Related Injuries and Their Impact
Falls can be deceptively dangerous because the damage they can do can go well beyond your health. What may seem like a minor trip or misstep can cause the following:
- Head trauma, including concussions, skull fractures, subdural hematomas (bleeding in or around the brain), or other serious injuries
- Long-term or permanent consequences like loss of mobility, chronic pain, cognitive or neurological damage, and disabilities so severe that you can’t work
- Massive medical bills can be from ambulance transportation, emergency treatment, imaging (CT scans, MRIs), hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care
- Emotional and psychological harm, such as anxiety, depression, lost enjoyment of life, and emotional distress
- Lost income caused by missing work and possibly a permanently diminished earning capacity. Your absence from work may be short or long-term
If a fall is caused by another’s negligence (a wet floor, broken stairs, inadequate lighting, missing handrails, or poorly maintained walkways), you or your family may have a valid legal claim under Kentucky premises liability law for compensation for the harm done.
What You Should Do After a Fall Injury
If a negligent property owner or manager fails in their legal obligations to keep premises safe, the consequences can be life-altering. You shouldn’t be left holding the financial bag if another party’s mistakes caused serious injuries.
Evidence is the foundation of insurance and legal claims. If you’re well enough, you should try to obtain as much evidence as possible after your fall. This includes the following:
- Take photos or videos of where you fell and the surrounding area
- Report the incident to whoever is responsible for the area. Get their name and contact information
- If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information
- Keep the footwear you wore during the accident. The other party may claim you fell because they were unsafe
- Write down what happened and why as best as you can remember
You should get medical attention as soon as possible. You may have injuries you’re not aware of. Call our office to schedule a consultation to discuss what happened and your options. Don’t talk to the property owner’s or manager’s insurance company until you’ve spoken to us.
If you retain us to represent you in your case, we can help you with the following:
- Investigating your fall and why it happened. The sooner we can start, the lower the risk that evidence will be lost
- Document your injuries, medical needs, lost wages, and long-term impacts
- Deal with the property’s insurance company, so you won’t have to
- Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company and, if necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf
Ace Frehley’s death is a reminder that a single fall can change everything. If negligence caused your injuries, the responsible parties should be held accountable.
What should I do next?
The Fleck Firm helps injured clients seek justice after a slip-and-fall accident. Our phones are on 24/7, so you can reach us anytime for assistance. If you are looking for an experienced slip-and-fall attorney in the Elizabethtown area, call us at (270) 447-7000. You may also complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a slip and fall lawyer to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options.
Remember, the insurance company has lawyers. You should have one too.
