Do you know what to do if you suspect someone else’s actions caused your accident and injuries to occur? Knowing your rights after such an accident and whether you should get in touch with a slip and fall attorney is essential. Here’s what to understand.
Every year, millions of people in the United States alone experience falls that lead to injuries — some of them serious. While many of these accidents occur at home or due to one’s own errors, just as many are be someone else’s fault. For example, if you were visiting a place of business or another space maintained by a third party, and you slip, fall, and hurt yourself, the property owner or manager could be responsible for your injuries.
When is a Slip and Fall Someone Else’s Responsibility?
Property owners aren’t always liable for protecting you from a slip and fall. In some cases, unfortunately, there will not be any relevant parties for you to sue. The critical factor is whether the property owner or manager had a “duty of care” to ensure that an accident could not happen. If they did, and their negligent actions led to a breach of that duty and you were injured, the law says that the property owner could be held liable for your accident.
However, keep in mind that this can be a high bar to clear, so gathering evidence and reporting the incident as soon as possible are critical steps to take to protect your rights.
When and Why Should You Consider Civil Litigation?
Clear cases of negligence, such as when a property owner fails to maintain a safe environment and know it is unsafe, can open the door to settlements or trial-based rewards. You should consider civil litigation if you have experienced a fall that caused you to suffer serious injuries that demonstrably impacted your life or generated substantial medical bills. Injuries that cause you to lose the ability to work or enjoy certain aspects of your life are also solid grounds to consider filing suit.
What Steps to Take if You’ve Been Hurt in a Slip and Fall
You must take steps to protect your rights after being hurt. If possible, gather evidence such as pictures or video of the scene where your fall occurred, especially if you can picture the hazard that caused your fall. Notify the owner of the property that you’ve been hurt and seek medical attention. Retain your records, follow any advice given by your doctor, and avoid discussing the accident in public spaces such as the Internet. At your next opportunity, contact a personal injury attorney at a law firm you can trust.
Related post: 10 Steps to Win Your Slip and Fall Accident Case in California
The Potential Outcomes of Your Efforts
What happens when you sue someone for a slip and fall? The most common results include:
- A cash settlement agreed to through out-of-court negotiations to avoid a suit
- A lawsuit and subsequent trial, which may result in defeat or a victory and award of damages
No outcomes are guaranteed, and every case is different — but you have a right to seek to hold those responsible for your accident accountable.
Speak to an Attorney Today to Better Understand Your Rights
Slip and fall accidents can lead to injuries that dramatically alter one’s experience and enjoyment of life due to the effects of injuries such as concussions, nerve damage, or chronic pain. They also constitute a tricky area of the law due to the requirements for establishing negligence on the property owner’s part. With HHJ Trial Attorneys on your case, you can trust in well-formed legal arguments that give you the best chance of an agreeable settlement outcome. Learn more from our team today.
Testimonial from Michah, Client
It’s difficult to find how to describe how appreciative and grateful I am to Michael Hernandez and the HHJ team. I didn’t have a million dollar case but they treated it as if it was. What I am most blown away about is the follow up, communication, and especially the results Michael delivered.
