Slip, trip and fall accidents are very common. Some are a result of a person simply not paying attention and it’s no one’s fault but his own, but very often it’s because a property owner or business has failed to fix a hazard. Injuries from these types of accidents can range from bumps and bruises to serious head or spinal cord injuries.
Property owners have a duty to provide the public with a reasonably safe environment when they go to a home, restaurant, supermarket, office building, or a shopping mall. If a person is injured because of the owner’s negligence, the victim likely has a legitimate personal injury case.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents
There are so many possible causes of a slip, trip or fall accident that it would be impossible to list them all. However, here are a few of the more common causes.
· Icy or unshoveled snow on sidewalks, stairs, or entryways and exits
· Wet floors due to liquid spills, or splashed oil and grease
· Slippery conditions and potholes in parking lots
· Poorly installed or worn carpeting
· Recently waxed or polished floors
· Uneven walking surfaces without warning signs
· Debris or trash on the floor
· Absence of handrails on stairways
Slip and fall claims require specific types of evidence to succeed
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident caused by a property or business owner’s carelessness or neglect, you can file a personal injury claim with their insurance company. However, in order for there to be a settlement in your favor, you, the plaintiff, have the burden of proof to show the defendant’s negligence.
An insurance claims adjuster or a jury will need answers to the following types of questions:
· How long did the hazard exist prior to the accident?
· Was the property owner or tenant aware that the problem existed?
· Should the property owner or tenant have been aware of the problem?
· How was the hazard created?
· Once the property owner was made aware of the hazard, did he have enough time to remedy it before the accident?
· Did the owner take reasonable actions to remedy the hazard?
· Whose fault was the accident? The victim or the owner’s?
It’s important to understand that just because you slipped, tripped or fell on someone’s premises, it doesn’t automatically follow that you have a legitimate claim. You must show proof that the property owner was guilty of negligence.
Slip and fall accidents can be complex, and it really would be in your best interest to contact an experienced slip and fall attorney. We can help you with proving negligence, and we will work tirelessly to get you compensation for your losses.
If you or a loved one is the victim of a slip, trip or fall accident caused by the carelessness or negligence of a property owner, please give us a call. As Wisconsin premises liability attorneys, we know the law and are experienced in dealing with such accidents. We would like to help you in any way possible.
If you have any questions about this topic or any other questions related to personal injury law, please call us at 920-725-8464, or toll free at 1-800-529-1552. Our personal injury consultations are always free.
The content of this blog was prepared by Law Offices of DiRenzo & Bomier, LLC for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to solicit business or provide legal advice. Laws differ by jurisdiction, and the information in this blog may not apply to you. You should seek the assistance of an attorney licensed to practice in your state before taking any action. Using this blog site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Law Offices of DiRenzo & Bomier, LLC -client relationships can only be created by written contract.