Your Rights After a Slip & Fall Accident

After a slip and fall accident, the responsibility for the incident and any resulting injuries typically lies with various parties, depending on the circumstances. Identifying the responsible party is essential when determining liability and seeking compensation. This is why it becomes imperative to seek a legal professional which can help guide you in the right direction.

Here are some key factors that can influence liability:

1. Property Owner/Occupier: In many cases, the owner or occupier of the property where the slip and fall occurred can be held responsible. They have a duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors and guests. If they were aware of a hazardous condition or should have reasonably known about it but failed to take appropriate action to address or warn about the danger, they may be held liable. This is why many businesses make a poignant effort to safeguard their surroundings especially when there is a consistent stream of customer traffic.

2. Negligence: The concept of negligence is crucial in slip and fall cases. If the responsible party, such as the property owner or occupier, acted negligently by not fulfilling their duty of care, they may be held liable. Negligence involves breaching a reasonable standard of care, such as not fixing a known hazard or not warning visitors about it.

3. Contractors and Maintenance Companies: If a slip and fall accident occurred due to a hazardous condition caused by the actions or negligence of contractors or maintenance companies hired to work on the property, they may be held responsible.

4. Government Entities: If the slip and fall incident took place on public property, such as a sidewalk or government building, the responsibility may fall on the relevant government entity. However, it's important to note that there may be specific procedures and limitations when filing a claim against a government entity.

5. Comparative Negligence: In some cases, the injured person's own actions or negligence may have contributed to the accident. If it's determined that the injured person was partially responsible for the slip and fall, the concept of comparative negligence may come into play. Comparative negligence means that the compensation awarded may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to the injured party.

It's important to consult with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in slip and fall accidents to evaluate the specific circumstances of the case. They can provide guidance on the applicable laws and help determine who may be held responsible for the accident.