Slips, trips and falls can happen to anyone, at any time. Here’s what you need to know in order to protect yourself.
Q. Who is responsible for the fall?
A. That depends on the situation. If you fall in a business because an employee washed the floor without putting up signs or left merchandise lying around, then the business is. If you fall in a neighbor’s yard due to a loose paver that showed no visual signs of a problem, the neighbor may not be at fault. Get a personal injury attorney, specializing in slips, trips and falls. Allow them to review the situation.
Q. Someone fell on my property. What should I do?
A. First, don’t make any agreements with the individual. Instead, get the advice of an attorney who specializes in personal injury. They will tell you whether you might be considered liable and how you should handle the situation.
Q. If I’m injured in a slip and fall and another person is found negligent, what will they have to pay for?
A. This depends on your individual case. Generally you can expect to be reimbursed for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Q. What should I do immediately after a slip and fall?
A. First, take note of the surroundings and write down or take photos of anything that might have contributed to your fall, including bad lighting, poorly installed floor tiles, debris, and so on. Next, report the fall to someone in charge. Finally, find any onlookers who might have witnessed the fall and write down their contact information.
Q. I fell in a store and they refuse to record the incident. What should I do?
A. If you are certain that the store was at fault for your fall, you may want to call the police so that they can record an official report.
Q. Will I need any evidence to make a claim after a slip and fall?
A. Yes. Take pictures of the area and put the clothes and shoes you were wearing during the fall in a bag and store them somewhere you won’t forget them.
Q. If someone falls on my property, is the damage covered by my home insurance?
A. It depends. If the damages are less than your deductible or exceed policy limits, you may be responsible for some payment. Additionally, if the situation involves conditions that are excluded from your policy, you may have no coverage at all.
Q. If I signed a waiver, is a business still liable for my damages after a fall?
A. Maybe. Get an attorney to determine whether the waiver is legally binding and applicable.
Q. I believe the owner’s violation of building code resulted in my slip and fall. Should I mention this to a lawyer?
A. Definitely. This can prove negligence and help your case.
Q. What other paperwork do I need to help prove my case?
A. Get a copy of the accident report written up by the property owner, business owner/employee and/or police.
Remember, slips, trips, and falls can be dangerous and cause severe injuries in some cases. Be sure to contact a personal injury attorney if you have any questions regarding your accident.