Are you wondering if you can sue if you were in a slip and fall accident? Quite possibly.
If you slipped or tripped due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property that they should have known about, and this resulted in you falling and injuring yourself, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. This would be considered a Premise Liability case.
Premise Liability
Premise liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for injuries that occur due to unsafe conditions on their property.
Whether it is a private residence, a public building, or a local business; property owners and managers are required by law to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors.
Thousands of people are injured every year due to property owners not keeping their premises well-maintained and safe. When hazardous conditions in buildings, sidewalks, and walkways cause people to trip or slip and injure themselves, the property owner may be held liable.
Conditions that Lead to a Premise Liability Case
Various conditions may lead to a premise liability case. Did you slip and fall because of a dangerous situation that had no warning posted anywhere?
Was there liquid on the floor of a walkway with no “slippery when wet” sign out?
Did you trip due to uneven sidewalks in front of the building?
Were their holes there that caused you to stumble and fall?
Was there some sort of protrusion sticking out of a stair that caused you to trip and fall?
Was there poor lighting in the entranceway?
Was there debris in the walkway?
Were there broken handrails?
Were the lights out on the stairs leading up to your apartment building, causing you to trip and fall down the stairs?
If any of the above happens to you, please see the steps below.
Steps to take after you Slip & Fall
In order to help your slip and fall claim, it is important to take the following steps:
- Report the incident to management or whoever is in charge.
- Take pictures or a video recording of where you fell and the surrounding area.
- Take pictures of what caused the fall (water, broken stairs, etc.).
- Document the full scene: the weather, the surrounding area, anything that may illuminate the scene and what caused the accident.
- If there are any witnesses, gather their names and phone numbers.
- If witnesses are willing to record a statement on the spot, take a video of them giving the statement.
- If you are seriously injured, you should call an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Before any clothes are removed for treatment, take pictures of your clothes, shoes, and injuries. Photos may be taken at the scene or the hospital.
- Call an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible!
An attorney has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the legal process and help maximize your claim. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after the accident allows them the opportunity to gather as much evidence as possible before it is lost forever.
If you have any further questions, call Park Chenaur and Associates at 253-839-9440. Consultations are free!
