A slip and fall accident occurs when someone slips, trips, or falls on someone else’s property due to the property owner’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. It is important to understand the legal concepts of negligence and premises liability to determine if you have a valid claim. This is why you should see an experienced premises liability attorney.
- Negligence is the term used when somebody does not take proper caution to avoid causing injury or harm. To prove negligence, you must demonstrate that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition that caused your accident and failed to take steps to fix it. For example, if there was a spill in a grocery store aisle and the store did not clean it up, the store could be liable for your injuries if you slipped in the spill and fell.
- Premises liability is a legal theory that property owners are accountable for injuries that occur on their property due to dangerous or defective conditions. To win a premises liability claim, you must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the harmful condition and didn’t take steps to fix it or warn visitors about it. For example, if there was a hole in the sidewalk and the property owner or the government did not repair it or put up a warning sign, the property owner could be held liable for your injuries if you fell into the hole.
Examples of slips and falls include:
- Tripping hazards
- Broken or missing handrails
- Inadequate lighting
- Broken pavement
- Loose carpeting in walkways
- Lack of warning signs for dangerous conditions
- Protruding objects
- Uneven or broken steps
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact an experienced slip and fall attorney to discuss your case. The lawyer can help to investigate your claim and gather evidence to support your case.
Damages in Slip and Fall Accidents
The compensation you can receive for your slip and fall accident will depend on the severity of your injuries. Common damages include:
- Medical expenses: These are one of the most prevalent damages granted in these cases. Compensation can include both current and future medical expenses related to the accident, such as doctor’s visits, medications, rehab, hospital stays surgeries, and physical therapy
- Lost wages: If you’re unable to work as a result of your injuries, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. You can also recoup lost wages if you’re able to work but make less money than you did before the accident.
- Pain and suffering: You can also recoup damages for the pain and suffering caused by your injuries. This includes both physical and emotional pain and suffering.
- Loss of consortium: If your spouse or child was injured in the accident, you can recover damages for lost companionship, love, and support.
- Disability: If your injuries resulted in permanent disability, you may recoup damages for your loss of income capacity and the cost of future medical care.
- Wrongful death: If your loved one was killed in a slip and fall accident, you can file a wrongful death suit to recoup damages such as funeral expenses and the loss of their income and companionship.
What are Some Common Slip-and-Fall Injuries?
Some common slip and fall injuries include:
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Head injuries, including concussions and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Why You Need an Attorney
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. You could walk across a parking lot and slip on a patch of ice, or trip on a loose carpet in a store. These accidents may seem minor, but they can often lead to serious injuries. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Your lawyer will examine the accident to identify all liable parties. They’ll also gather evidence to support your claims, such as eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage, and photos of the accident scene. In addition, your attorney will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to get you the maximum possible settlement. If necessary, they will also take your case to trial.
Don’t wait to get help after a slip-and-fall accident. Contact a reliable personal injury attorney today to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.