A slip-and-fall accident can happen to anyone and lead to serious injury. Under the law of premises liability, an injured person may be able to recover compensation for their damages under certain conditions.
First, there are several elements they must prove.
Elements
The property owner must have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care and maintain their property in a way that is safe for visitors or guests. The injured person must prove that the property owner breached their duty of care by creating a dangerous situation or by not addressing a hazardous condition on the property.
The hazardous condition must have caused the slip and fall and the injured person must show that the property owner knew or should have known about it. Finally, the injured person must have actual damages, like medical expenses, lost wages or pain and suffering that were caused by the slip and fall.
Common causes and injuries
These incidents can happen when there are wet floors, caused by spills, cleaning solutions or weather factors. Uneven surfaces like broken pavement or potholes can also create hazards.
Stairs and steps can also be dangerous, especially if they are worn, missing handrails or have inadequate lighting. Also, objects in high-traffic areas can cause people to fall.
Falls can cause several types of injuries. They can lead to broken bones, fractures and in some serious situations, may require surgery or rehabilitation. Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries can also happen when a person slips and falls. People can also experience internal injuries, which may not be immediately visible.
If a person is in a slip-and-fall accident, it’s important to receive medical attention. The injured person may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.