Taylor King Blog
Everything You Need to Know About Slip and Fall Cases
Where do slip and fall accidents commonly occur?
Places of slip and fall accidents can be broadly classified into public places and privately owned premises. Common accidents in public places include trips on sidewalks, falls in parking lots and playgrounds, and trips in schools and hospitals. However, many such accidents are also reported in restaurants, theaters, supermarkets, offices, and in shopping malls, that are privately owned.
What types of defects or situations lead to slip and fall accidents?
Slip and fall accidents can occur due to:
Inadequate lighting
Defects in the pavement or sidewalk surface
Slips caused due to drink or food on the floor
Trips on raised, worn or torn carpeting
Slips caused by accumulation of water or snow
Trips on wires and electrical cords
What should a person do immediately after suffering a slip and fall accident?
The first thing to do is assess your injuries and seek medical help. If it is possible, take photos of the hazard or dangerous situation that caused the accident. Report the accident to the property owner or manager of the premises.
It may be hard to take a picture of a slippery floor but somehow you must convey how slippery the floor is. If the establishment is using the wrong mop or the wrong soap this could be dangerous of customers and employees alike.
Does a victim of slip and fall accident need a lawyer?
Yes, in most slip and fall accidents the victim will need a personal injury lawyer to claim compensation for the injuries suffered. Sometimes the property owner or manager is ready to make a settlement, but you will not know how much to settle for, unless you know the full extent of your injuries. Secondly, in most cases the party responsible for providing compensation will be an insurance company.
Individuals will find it difficult to deal with insurance companies, whereas a lawyer will know all the legal angles to hold the insurance company liable. Hence, hiring a lawyer is very important when you are trying to claim damages and compensation for your injuries from a slip and fall accident.
