Slip-and-fall injuries are among the most common scenarios that give rise to premises liability claims, and yet, a large number of people don’t really understand these common incidents. Most people don’t bother to learn about slip-and-fall cases until they get hurt themselves or someone in their family has an incident while out shopping.
Anyone who is worried about the rights of an individual who has fallen in a public place will benefit from learning the answers to the three basic questions people frequently ask about slip-and-falls listed below.
1. Where do slip-and-falls commonly occur?
Many slip-and-falls occur right at the entrance to a store, which is where both dirt and moisture tracked in from the outside might accumulate on the floors. However, in any place where there is plumbing, refrigeration units or merchandise that people could spill, there could potentially be a slip-and-fall. Areas near bathrooms and soda machines are high-risk areas much like entrances.
2. Who is at fault for a slip-and-fall?
Establishing fault for an incident that occurs in a business can be a bit of a challenge. Sometimes, the person who falls is to blame because they did something obviously unsafe like running through a grocery store in high-heeled shoes while under the influence of alcohol.
However, if someone who falls in a business can show that negligence, such as inadequate cleaning, caused their injuries, then they likely have grounds for a claim against the business. Anytime that reasonable people would agree there was unnecessary risk, the person hurt may have grounds for a claim.
3. What can people recover in slip-and-fall claims?
Some slip-and-fall incidents lead to severe injuries, including broken bones and traumatic brain injuries. The medical costs for such injuries could amount to tens of thousands of dollars or more, and those hospital bills would likely comprise a significant portion of someone’s claim.
Premises liability claims can also cover property damage losses, such as broken phones and ruined shoes. People can even claim lost wages if they require convalescent leave or if they have to change professions and cannot earn as much as they used to before their fall.
Learning more about the basics of slip-and-fall claims can help people determine whether they have the option to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Speaking with an experienced legal professional can facilitate that clarity.