If you slip, trip or fall on someone else’s property due to poor maintenance or design, or dangerous conditions, you may be entitled to compensation. The owner or occupier of the premises may be held liable for the injuries you sustain, if they did not ensure the safety of the property. If you have been injured as a result of a slip, trip or fall you should contact one of our lawyers immediately because there are strict timelines (some of which are short) that apply to these sorts of claims. We can help you claim compensation for the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses, including medication and therapy
- Loss of past and future wages and/or benefits
- Attendant care
How do Falls, Slips, and Trips Happen?
Slips, trips, and falls can happen anywhere and at any time. They can happen on a city sidewalk, walking down a staircase, in an office building, and in almost any publicly accessible area. This is a list of just some of the potential causes of slip, trip, and fall accidents:
- Icy sidewalks or walkways
- Loose, defective, or improper handrails
- Wet floors
- Loose or broken floorboards
- Torn carpeting
- Raised ledges
- Potholes
- Poor lighting
Common Fall, Slip, and Trip Injuries
Victims of slips, trips, and falls can sustain serious injuries. This is a list of common injuries which people suffer when they have been involved in a slip, trip, or fall accident.
- Fractures and broken bones
- Back, neck and shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Torn ligaments and tendons
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations and bruises
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Broken teeth
- Concussions
The Fall, Slip, and Trip Claims Process
Everyone who owns or occupies a property has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to keep anyone who would use the property safe. In order to make a successful claim, the slip, trip, or fall must have caused an injury and the injury must have been caused by the negligence of the person who owns, manages, or maintains the property. If there is no negligence by another party which caused your slip, trip, or fall, then there is no claim.
For example, if you are walking in a building lobby and simply fall due to your own clumsiness then there is no claim. However, if you fell because the floor had just been mopped and there was no sign placed on the floor indicating that the floor was slippery, then you would have a claim because whoever mopped the floor had a duty of care to anyone who might walk on the floor afterwards. That duty would include placing a visible warning sign indicating a wet floor.
If in the same example above, you were walking with an untied shoelace and slipped on the wet floor with no warning sign, you might be partially at fault as you had contributed to your slip by not tying your shoe. However, you may still be entitled to compensation because the area was not safe due to someone else’s negligence; and you can recover for the extent to which the other party’s negligence was responsible for your injury.
After your slip, trip, or fall, it is important to figure out exactly what caused it. If you can, report the accident immediately or as soon as possible. In certain cases, there are parties who you must notify of the accident within a specific timeframe. Try to look for any witnesses and take down their contact information. Also, take photographs of the area where the fall occurred.
Why you need a lawyer for Slip and Fall claims
While slipping, tripping, or falling may seem like something so simple because of how common it is, the injuries sustained can lead to a complicated path for you moving forward. Slip and fall cases themselves can be quite complex.
Our experienced lawyers at Advocai will work to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injury if you do have a claim. We will identify the liable parties for your injury, locate and interview witnesses, and consult with various experts. We know the timelines, we know the process, we know the law. If we determine that you have a claim, we will get to work as soon as possible and bring your claim forward. Contact Advocai today to schedule a free consultation.
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Contact us for more information about our services and to discuss your claim.