Slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and the second leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Serious accidents at great heights or on a hard surface can even cause death.
When a property owner has been negligent, and someone suffers a slip and fall injury as a result, the owner can be held liable in civil court.
Whether the accident took place at a private residence, public facility or commercial property, a slip and fall accident victim can collect compensation if the following conditions are met:
- The property owner had a duty of care to the claimant.
- The property owner failed to provide a reasonably safe environment.
- The property owner neglected to address potential hazards that could cause harm in a reasonable time frame.
- The defendant suffered injuries as a direct result of the property owner’s negligence.
A slip and fall accident may be categorized under strict liability law, which means the claimant doesn’t have to prove that the defendant was reckless or negligent. This occurs often in cases involving building safety code violations where an injured tenant seeks compensation from the landlord. In these types of liability cases, the degree of liability is the primary issue which will determine how much compensation is owed to the claimant.
It’s vital in these types of cases to hire a skilled attorney that can help you negotiate important items such as past and present medical issues, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you suffer serious injury, you need to hire a lawyer you can trust to help you get all possible compensation you deserve.