Student Dies After Slip and Fall Accident

 Posted on April 08, 2019 in Slip and Fall

A student at the University of Washington died due to a blood clot in her lung according to the examination performed by the King County Medical Examiner's Office. Hayley Smith, 19, was a sophomore at the university when the university's police department responded to a slip and fall accident outside the Electrical Engineering building. Smith suffered a severe head injury.

Although it was not confirmed that she fell due to ice on the sidewalk, signs the next day were posted that the sidewalk was closed. The police department for the university found the medical examiner's determination of a death to be consistent with reports from witnesses and their investigation.

Slip and Fall Accidents

When a loved one suffers from a slip and fall accident, especially if it results in death, the family may be shocked when the insurance company claims that a slip and fall accident cannot be serious enough to result in death. They may argue that the person had another condition that was unknown at the time of the accident and that was what caused the person's death rather than the slip and fall accident. Keep in mind that insurance adjusters are not your friends. While they may not believe what they are saying themselves, it is their job to minimize the amount of money that the insurance company pays out for a claim.

However, the truth is that it is indeed possible to die from a slip and fall accident, and it is possible to recover damages for the accident from the insurance company or through a lawsuit. To recover damages in a wrongful death accident that stems from a slip and fall incident, you and your attorney will have to prove the following:

• The property owner was negligent, and that negligence resulted in the slip and fall accident.
• The slip and fall accident was the cause of the death of your loved one.

Just think, for example, what would happen if a person who had a slip and fall accident suffered from a brain injury, internal injuries, spinal cord injury, or other traumatic injury during the fall. The result could be tragic and even lead to death.

What to do if Your Loved One Has Been in a Slip and Fall Accident

If your loved one has suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, you may be dealing with extensive medical bills, trips to the doctor and other medical practitioners, and time off from work that results in lost wages. If your loved one died in the accident, we know you are grieving, too. Even though you have had your world turned upside down, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Evidence needs to be gathered right now in order to protect your legal options rights.

For more information about how to ensure your rights are protected and to find out about the potential for recovering compensation, contact the attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP today to schedule a consultation. We will provide you with compassionate and honest advice that you need to make an informed decision about whether you should pursue a legal claim. We serve clients in Arlington Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Libertyville, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, and Itasca.

(image courtesy of Genessa Panainte)