A slip-and-fall accident can occur at any time and location. They are frequently the result of carelessness, such as when a spill is not cleaned up immediately or a floor needs to be properly maintained. If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you may wonder how to establish the other party’s liability.
This blog post will examine how to establish liability in a slip and fall accident. We will also advise on what to do in the event of a slip and fall injury.
What Is a Slip-Fall Accident?
A slip-and-fall accident is precisely what it sounds like, an accident in which someone slips and falls. These accidents can occur anywhere but are most prevalent in high-traffic areas such as supermarkets, shopping malls, and office buildings.
Several factors can cause slip accidents, but the most common cause is someone’s negligence. For instance, if an employee of a grocery store spills something on the floor and does not immediately clean it up, this could be considered negligence. Similarly, a property owner’s failure to maintain the building’s floors may also constitute negligence.
What Are the Common Causes Of Slip And Fall Accidents?
- Icy or wet surfaces
- Uneven surfaces
- Cluttered floors
- Poor lighting
What’s The Difference Between Contributory And Comparative Negligence?
In some instances, a victim of a slip-fall accident may have contributed to the incident. The term for this is contributory negligence. For instance, if a victim was not wearing appropriate footwear for the weather or was not paying attention to their surroundings, they may have contributed to the accident.
In other examples, the victim of a slip & fall accident may be less responsible for the accident than the negligent person or entity. The term for this is comparative negligence.
What To Do If You Have Been Injured in A Slip & Fall Accident?
If you have been injured in a fall accident, you should do the following:
- Seek medical attention
Even if you think you’re injured, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions, may not be immediately apparent. - Gather evidence
Take pictures of the scene of the accident, as well as any injuries you sustained. You should also get the contact information of any witnesses. - Speak to a lawyer
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help You?
- Investigating the accident
Your attorney will investigate the accident to determine who was at fault and the type of compensation to which you may be entitled.
- Negotiating with insurance companies
Insurance companies are notorious for underpaying accident victims. Your attorney will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to obtain the compensation you are entitled to.
- Filing a lawsuit
Your attorney will file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court if necessary.
Conclusion
In the event of a slip and fall accident, the property owner may be held liable for negligence in property maintenance. To establish liability, you must demonstrate that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take corrective action. If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, contact Garcia and Phan or call (714) 586-8298 to discuss your case.
