Hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, and medical offices are places people go to get help — not get hurt. But slip and fall accidents inside medical facilities in Norman happen more often than most people realize, and the consequences can be serious.
Medical Facilities Have a Higher Duty of Care
Medical facilities regularly serve patients who are already vulnerable — elderly individuals, people with mobility challenges, or patients recovering from illness or injury. Because of this, hospitals and clinics are expected to follow strict safety standards to keep their premises clean, dry, and clearly marked.
When they fail to do so, and someone gets hurt, that may amount to negligence.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls in Norman Medical Facilities
We frequently see slip and fall injuries in medical settings caused by:
- Wet or freshly mopped floors without warning signs
- Water tracked in near entrances during bad weather
- Spilled liquids or dropped medical substances
- Loose floor mats or uneven flooring
- Poor lighting in hallways or waiting areas
Pharmacy lobbies, imaging centers, emergency rooms, and outpatient clinics can all become dangerous when safety procedures aren’t followed.
Injuries from Medical Facility Falls Can Be Severe
Falls inside medical buildings often result in more than minor bumps or bruises. Patients and visitors may suffer:
- Broken hips, wrists, or ankles
- Head injuries or concussions
- Back and spinal injuries
- Aggravation of existing medical conditions
For patients already receiving care, a fall can significantly delay recovery and create new medical complications.
Do I Have a Slip and Fall Claim Against a Hospital or Clinic?
Not every fall leads to a valid claim, but many do. To pursue compensation, it must be shown that the medical facility knew — or should have known — about a hazardous condition and failed to correct it or warn visitors in a reasonable amount of time.
This may involve reviewing cleaning logs, incident reports, staff statements, and surveillance footage. Medical facilities often have teams working quickly to protect themselves after an incident, which is why early legal guidance matters.
Who May Be Responsible?
Depending on the situation, responsibility for a slip and fall in a Norman medical facility may rest with:
- The hospital or clinic itself
- A property management company
- A third-party cleaning or maintenance contractor
- A pharmacy or urgent care operator leasing the space
Identifying the correct responsible party is a critical step in building a strong claim.
What Compensation May Be Available
If your fall was caused by negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills and follow-up treatment
- Lost wages or missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury
Insurance companies often try to minimize these claims, especially when medical providers are involved.
Get Answers Before You Accept an Explanation
If you slipped and fell in a hospital, clinic, urgent care center, or pharmacy in Norman, don’t assume it was “just an accident.” You deserve clear answers about what happened and whether it could have been prevented.
Request a Free Case Review to speak with a lawyer who handles slip and fall cases in Norman, or call (405) 447-HURT today.
Related:
Norman Slip and Fall Lawyer
