Exploring Liability in Slip and Fall Cases

Slip and fall incidents requiring a day off from work account for more than 80% of non-fatal injuries annually. Workplace injuries are so common that 340 million occupational accidents happen annually.

Depending on your job, you may be at higher risk of workplace injury than most of the workforce. For example, if you’re a construction worker, you are more likely to be injured on the job than a receptionist. That’s not to say workplace accidents don’t happen for some people – everyone is at risk.

Keep reading if you want to know more about liability in slip and fall injury cases. Here’s what you should know.

What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?

The term slip and fall accident refers to an injury sustained following a trip, fall, or slip on another’s property. These types of injuries are, unfortunately, quite common. Depending on the severity of the fall, you could sustain serious injuries or, even worse, die.

Slip and fall accidents are personal injury cases, which fall under a broader category called “premises liability claims.” In premises liability claims, the property owner where the accident occurred can be held responsible. Their liability typically means they become responsible for related expenses such as medical bills.

Several conditions can be considered dangerous with the potential to sustain an injury. Some examples of what can be regarded as a hazardous condition are:

• Wet floors
• Lifting or torn carpeting
• Poor lighting
• Slippery floor tiles
• Narrow stairs

You can also sustain a slip and fall injury outside. Common dangerous conditions outside can include:

• Cracked sidewalks
• Rain, ice, or snow conditions
• Potholes

How to Prove Liability

So you’ve fallen in the shopping mall and have sustained a slip and fall injury. To win a premises liability claim, you will need to prove liability. In the case of proving liability, you (the injured party) will need to confirm negligence on the other party’s side (the defendant).

This means you need to prove that the defendant didn’t do everything they could to prevent this injury from occurring. For example, if you slip in a shopping mall because of a wet floor, you must prove that the defendant was aware of the water and neglected to warn passers-by by utilizing warning signs.

Opening a Slip and Fall Lawsuit

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, there are a few steps you must take. These steps are:

• Photographic Proof: Take as many pictures of the scene as you can, especially things that can aid your claim
• Inform the Premises Owner: Try to get a copy of any report you file with the premises authorities
• Get Medical Attention: Any injuries your doctor records in your medical records can be used as proof of injuries
• Find an Attorney: once you have evidence, seek out premises liability attorneys for your options

Handle Your Slip and Fall Injury Case Like a Pro

Unfortunately, anyone can be injured in a slip and fall accident anywhere and at any time. However, knowing what to do in the event of sustaining a slip and fall injury is essential if you want compensation. Always gather as much evidence as possible and seek legal counsel after notifying the premises owner of the incident.

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