Surprising Oregon Slip and Fall Facts

Many people think of slip and fall accidents as minor. But each year, these accidents cause far more harm than most expect. In Oregon and across the country, falls are a serious safety issue, with national statistics showing they kill tens of thousands of people every year and lead to over $50 billion in medical costs.

Seniors and workers are especially at risk, suffering injuries and sometimes significant disruption to their lives. It is essential to understand more about these accidents, how they happen, and what you can do if you’re injured. Below are some facts about slips and falls that you might find surprising.

• One out of four older adults will fall every year.
• In Oregon, falls cause the most fatal and nonfatal injuries among adults 65 and older.
• In Oregon, unintentional falls led to around two-thirds of all injury hospitalizations in 2022, with 9,230 cases reported that year.
• Nearly 80% of falls inside homes take place in the bathroom. Slippery floors, water, and not having grab bars turn bathrooms into frequent accident spots for people of all ages.
• National statistics show that an older adult dies from a fall roughly every 19 minutes. In Oregon, where the population is older than the average in the U.S., people face increased risk simply because falls tend to happen more as we age.
• Falls lead to hundreds of deaths at work every year across the U.S.
• Research suggests that hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of falls.

Based on these facts, it’s clear that slip and fall injuries are a serious concern in Oregon and throughout the country. Knowing what to do in these situations and when you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses is helpful.

Oregon slip and fall laws you need to know

Knowing your legal rights means you’re better equipped to handle what happens next if you slip, trip, or fall somewhere in Oregon and get hurt. Property owners and those responsible for businesses have rules to follow. Understanding how Oregon handles these cases helps you make informed decisions about your situation.

Statute of limitations for Oregon slip and fall lawsuits

In Oregon, you don’t have unlimited time to take legal action. You have two years from the date you got hurt to file a lawsuit for most personal injuries, including slip and fall cases. If you miss this window, you likely lose your chance to make a legal claim, which means you won’t be entitled to any compensation.

There are some exceptions to this timeline, like claims that involve injuries on government property, which require notice in as little as 180 days. There are also situations that can extend the timeline, like if the injured party is under the age of 18. Your best bet is to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible to make sure your case gets filed on time.

Modified comparative negligence

If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall in Oregon, modified comparative negligence is a rule that you need to understand. Under this rule, your compensation can be reduced if you were partially responsible for your accident or injuries. You will be assigned a percentage of fault, and your award will be reduced proportionately.

However, if you are more than 50% responsible, you’ll be barred from recovering any compensation.

Here’s an example: You slipped and fell at a grocery store. Maybe there was a wet floor, but you were also looking at your phone while walking. If a court decides that the grocery store is 70% at fault because it didn’t put up a warning sign, but you are 30% at fault because you weren’t paying attention, your compensation would be reduced by 30%. So if you won $10,000, you would actually receive $7,000.

If the court had instead determined that you were more than 50% at fault for not paying attention, you wouldn’t be compensated.

Being hurt in a slip and fall accident can lead to a lot of questions. These two rules are essential to all types of claims and can help you understand what you might be entitled to.

How our legal team builds strong slip and fall cases

For many people, slip and fall accidents seem simple. But building a solid case calls for skill, experience, and careful work. Here’s how we approach these cases at Philbrook Law, Accident and Injury Lawyers:

Reviewing the scene

First, we focus on where and how the accident happened. We visit the location, if possible, or study clear photos. Sometimes a problem speaks for itself, but our observations help us see if someone ignored a safety hazard.

Requesting maintenance and inspection records

Businesses and property owners should keep records showing regular checks and repairs. These documents reveal whether the owner did their job or ignored their duties, which could have ultimately led to the accident.

Examining video footage

We can look for video footage of the incident. This could be from a store that has surveillance footage, a witness who happened to take video at the time you were injured, or even a doorbell video camera that caught the incident.

Speaking with witnesses

People who saw the accident can explain what led to the fall. Their statements sometimes make things clear when there is little other proof.

Retaining experts

Slip and fall cases sometimes require experts, such as safety engineers or building code specialists. They can explain how your fall happened and if there were violations of safety standards.

Valuing your damages

Getting hurt in a fall can disrupt daily life, lead to medical bills, and stop you from earning income. We look at reports from your doctors and review current and future lost wages that come from your injuries. We can make sure we accurately value your claim so you don’t leave any money on the table.

Negotiating and litigating

Most slip and fall claims settle, but the insurance company may try to shortchange you. We never push you toward an offer that isn’t fair. If needed, we take your claim to court to recover the compensation you need.

Anyone injured in a slip and fall deserves competent legal representation that truly cares about their case. With 20 years of experience and millions recovered for clients, Philbrook Law fights for real change and fair money for injured people. We charge no attorney fees unless we recover for you. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with our Oregon slip and fall lawyers.