Though HVAC systems have been available for many years, they are not affordable or practical for every consumer. As a result, people still rely on window air conditioner units to keep their homes cool during the hottest times of the year. We see these units in houses, apartment buildings, workplaces, and many other structures, so it’s essential that they are properly installed and maintained. Otherwise, they can end up falling out of the window and striking an innocent bystander.
Falling objects can cause severe injuries due to the pull of gravity, which adds extra force to the object as it descends on the victim. The resulting impact can be devastating, even if the object is relatively small. An air conditioner, however, is a rather heavy object, so the potential for lifelong damage is that much higher. Even from low heights, an air conditioning unit can cause serious injury to various parts of your body.
An accident can be a life-altering event, so it’s essential to learn about your legal options right away. For legal advice from a falling air conditioner injury attorney, contact us to schedule a free case review.
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Injuries from a Falling Air Conditioner
If you’ve been hit by a falling air conditioner, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. We know that going to a hospital can be a hassle, but there are many serious injuries you can end up with from one of these accidents. Here are some of the most common injuries you can sustain from being hit by a falling AC unit:
- Cuts and puncture wounds
- Infections from deep cuts
- Broken bones
- Hip fracture
- Concussion and other forms of brain injury
- Spinal cord damage
- Disfigurement, including permanent scars
- Dislocated joints
- Paralysis / loss of function
Recovering from these injuries can be a very expensive process, especially if you require specialized services like surgery, hospitalization, and physical therapy. These incidents can cause long-term trauma to your mind, as well as your body, so it’s not unusual to suffer from mental health issues, like insomnia, panic attacks, PTSD, and depression.
If you are eligible for a personal injury lawsuit, we can help you obtain compensation to cover the losses you’ve suffered. Damages from a falling air conditioner injury claim may include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of mental health counseling, pain and suffering, property damage, and legal fees. To learn more about the restitution you can receive, call us to schedule a free consultation.
Who is Responsible for a Falling AC Unit Accident?
Figuring out who is liable for your injuries can be a complex issue, depending on the exact cause of your accident. Generally, lawsuits are filed against the owner and/or operator of the property. This can be a private homeowner, or a leasing company in the case of apartment complexes and condo associations. If the air conditioner fell from the window of a store or restaurant, the defendant in your case would be a private business.
No matter who is responsible for your accident, you would need to prove that your injuries were caused by an act of negligence. As we mentioned before, the installation and upkeep of these units is essential to preventing a falling air conditioner accident. But maintenance can extend to the window or frame that’s supporting the AC unit. It’s possible that the surrounding drywall, brick, or siding may be responsible for an air conditioner falling out of the window.
Another important consideration is whether the manufacturer has any responsibility for your accident. Defects with the hardware, the design of the air conditioner, and other issues during the manufacturing process can certainly contribute to a falling object injury. An attorney that’s experienced in product liability lawsuits can help you in these situations, which we can offer you here at Normandie Law Firm.
Our law firm is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Value of a Falling Object Accident Lawsuit Settlement
The degree of your injuries and the effect they have on your life will be the biggest factors in determining the value of your case. Because these are serious accidents in most cases, settlement values can exceed $1 million, though $125,000 to $750,000 is a more realistic range. But you have to keep in mind that each accident has its own set of circumstances. For claims with less serious injuries, $25,000 to $50,000 may be an appropriate amount. On the other hand, $5 million or more is not uncommon if the victim sustained permanent injuries, like brain damage or paralysis.
How Long Do These Cases Take to Settle?
There is no set amount of time to settle a personal injury case, though if we had to give a range, we would say that resolving one of these lawsuits can take anywhere from 30 days to over two years. Much of the timeline has to do with the defendant’s reaction, primarily, how willing they are to admit liability and offer you a fair settlement. We strive to negotiate all settlements within 6 months, but the process can take over a year if you have serious injuries with permanent complications. For the most serious accidents, it may take 2 years or longer to recover a fair amount of compensation.
Deadline to Sue for an AC Unit Collapse Accident Claim
The statute of limitations for a falling object injury claim is two years from the day you were injured. This can be the date of your accident, or the date you discover an injury that was caused by the accident. Either way, it’s essential to get started on a claim right away. Two years will go by very quickly when you are dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident. If you miss the deadline to file a lawsuit, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to pursue an injury case against the at fault party.
Second Opinion from the Lawyers of Normandie
Recovering from an accident is difficult enough on its own, but it’s even worse when you are failing to get the results you want from the attorney that’s handling your claim. If you feel like your case is not getting the time and attention it deserves, please come and see us for a free second opinion. You will receive a free case evaluation from one of our attorneys, who will advise you of the alternatives that are available to you. The rest of the process is completely up to you, so there is no pressure to change lawyers or take any other action beyond speaking with us. If you’d like to take advantage of this offer, contact us and ask to schedule a free second opinion consultation.
Contact us to Learn about Your Rights and Legal Options
For most claimants, effective legal representation makes the difference between a favorable settlement award and being cheated out of the payment they deserve. Normandie Law Firm has a proven track record of recovery for all types of personal injury claims. We are more than confident in our ability to recover your payment and ensure that you have the necessary funds to move forward your accident.
Our clients are protected by the Zero Fee Guarantee from day one, so you will never pay a single dime for us to represent you. Our expenses are covered by the defendant, and that only happens if we bring you compensation for your harm and suffering. That offer applies to all injury victims, whether you have just been injured, or you would like to switch lawyers and continue your lawsuit with us.
To speak with a falling object injury accident attorney, please give us a call at our office.
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