Slip and fall accidents occur when someone is injured on another person’s property due to unsafe conditions on the premises. Although you may believe that you are at fault for your accident, the accident may be a result of a property owner or occupier’s negligence. A slip and fall lawyer can help you recover damages from this type of accident.
Slip and fall accidents can happen at private residences, in businesses, and even in public places like playgrounds. Because a property owner must provide safe property conditions, if you can show that an accident occurred because of someone else’s negligence, they may be liable for your injury.
What steps should I take after a slip and fall accident?
Experiencing a slip and fall can lead to significant injury and leave you questioning who is at fault for your accident. Here is what you should do if you experience a slip and fall.
- If you or a loved one is injured in a slip and fall accident, get the medical attention that you need. The medical records that you receive from a physician after a medical injury will help you receive compensation if you bring forward a suit.
- Make a report of your accident in writing. You should send the report of the slip and fall accident to the person that is responsible for the property. This can include a store manager, a property occupant, or a property owner. Also, request that this person make a report about your incident and send it to you in writing.
- Document the slip and fall accident. This may include collecting information from witnesses. It can also mean taking photos of the location of your fall and the injuries that were caused by your fall. Keep note of the events that occurred before and after the accident. In addition, you should place the clothing and shoes you were wearing during the accident in a safe place. These possessions may end up being evidence.
Who is at fault for my slip and fall accident?
Determining who is at fault for a slip and fall accident is often a complicated process. For instance, if you trip and fall on the steps of a rental home there are several parties that could be at fault. It might be the property owner’s or the renter’s responsibility to keep the walkway clear.
The best way to determine who is at fault for your slip and fall accident is to consult with knowledgeable legal counsel.
Who is responsible for my bills after a slip and fall?
Normally, the liability for damages falls on the property owner or occupier’s insurance company. Your West Palm Beach premises liability attorney will work with them to settle. However, if your lawyer and the insurance company are unable to come to an agreement, then the damages are decided by a judge or jury.
If you decide not to work with an attorney and take on damages negotiations by yourself, you may not receive the true amount owed to you. The insurance company may delay your request or ask you to settle for a lot less than you deserve. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible, even if it fails to meet the amount you need to cover your bills.
Why should I sue family or friends after a slip and fall accident?
Although bringing a lawsuit against a family member or friend might seem uncomfortable, it really is the best action to take after a slip and fall. If the property owned by a loved one is insured, then their insurance policy will reimburse you for any damages you experience.
In fact, you will not necessarily be bringing litigation against friends or family, but against their insurance company. Premises insurance or homeowner’s insurance is what pays for the cost of your damages.
How much compensation can I get for my injuries?
There are several damages that you can receive from your slip and fall case. These can include:
- The cost of your medical bills. This will include the medical expenses you paid before the settlement and the expenses incurred after.
- Pain and suffering. The amount you will receive for pain and suffering depends on the severity of your accident. If there are long-term health consequences, you may earn more than if your injury is easier to recover from.
- Loss of wages and earning capacity. Some injuries can cause you to miss work, lose your job, or can even reduce your earning capacity. You may receive a lump sum for the work you missed or receive a payout for the reduced earning capacity. Some cases have even paid for the cost of receiving new education or training so that you are employable in a new field.
What is a slip and fall lawyer?
A slip and fall lawyer has experience in maximizing the damages you receive after having a slip and fall accident that was not your fault. Contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath at (561) 655-1990 if you recently had a slip and fall accident and would like to know if you should bring a lawsuit against the negligent party.
