What Is A Slip And Fall Injury?
As the phrase implies, a slip and fall injury is defined as a situation where a person falls and is injured on another person’s or business’s premises. This can occur in any number of locations, such as a restaurant or grocery store. For example, if a spill goes unattended at a restaurant or a wet floor is not properly marked with warnings, a person may slip and fall. This can result in injuries ranging anywhere from minor to major. Slip and falls can also occur when a building’s property is not maintained, such as stairs lacking a railing or walkways in a crumbling state.
Injuries resulting from slip and fall incidents can vary greatly, but below are some of the most common injuries that we see:
- Broken ribs or hips.
- Injuries involving the knee and ankle.
- Bone fractures.
- Back and spine injuries.
- Neck injuries.
- Dislocated joints.
- Head trauma and concussions.
- Broken arm or elbows.
A slip and fall injury case can become very complicated and there are many facets of the law which may apply to your specific situation. The first step to your case is understanding the definition of premise liability.
What Is Premise Liability?
If you have fallen on someone else’s property or sustained an injury, then your case will be determined by what is known as “premise liability”. This legal term simply refers to who is liability for maintaining reasonably safe conditions of the property. For example, locations such as businesses, public parks, amusement parks, schools and government buildings are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for all visitors. If you have sustained a slip and fall injury due to a property owner’s negligence, then you may have a case to sue for damages.
The following are some examples of accidents that can occur on public properties:
- Slipping and falling on a wet floor in a public place, such as a restaurant.
- Accident at a public pool.
- Injury on a stairway, escalator or elevator.
- Bitten by a dog or other animal.
- Injury on school grounds or a campus.
- Negligence on the part of maintenance or security for a building and grounds.
- Public park and amusement park injuries.
These are just a sample of the locations and situations where an injury can occur on someone else’s premises. However, premise liability laws vary state to state and oftentimes can be very complicated. This is why if you have suffered a slip and fall injury, then you need an attorney on your side to help navigate the legal proceedings and get you the compensation you deserve. We can connect you with experienced attorneys ready to help you with your case, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
What Can Cause Slip And Fall Accidents?
A slip and fall injury most often occurs when property owners don’t properly maintain their location. Or, they fail to maintain safe conditions for the public.
The following are examples of unsafe conditions which have the potential to cause slip and fall injuries:
- Wet or slippery floors without proper warning signs set up.
- Spills, such as oil or grease.
- Ice or snow that has not been properly removed creating slippery conditions
- Uneven or cracked walking surfaces.
- Loose carpets.
- Spilled food or drinks.
- Staircases that have not been maintained or lack proper railing.
Every property owner is responsible for maintaining safe conditions and environments for the public. If they fail to properly maintain an area or mark off slippery surfaces, this can result in a slip and fall injury. If you have been injured in an accident on someone else property, then it’s important to contact an attorney who is experienced in litigating slip and fall injury cases.
Why You Need An Attorney For Slip And Fall Injuries
Slip and fall injuries can be life threatening and impact your entire lifestyle for long periods of time, or perhaps indefinitely. Each situation needs to be taken seriously, as sometimes a person will not experience medical issues right away, but rather issues with the back or neck can take time to manifest. This is why it’s important to seek qualified counsel whenever you are involved in a slip and fall accident on another person’s or business’s property.
In addition, premise liability laws can be very complex to navigate, and insurance companies are eager to seek quick settlements which are often very low. Although it may be tempting to accept a quick settlement, it may not cover future medical bills, lost wages or other hardships that you suffer due to the accident.
It is your right to receive fair compensation when you are injured in a bus accident. Click here to connect with an experienced attorney that can assess your case.