All it takes is a missed spill or delayed property maintenance for a business to put a visitor at risk. People visiting their accountants or shopping for new shoes don’t expect to lose their traction and fall. However, slip-and-falls are relatively common. Tens of thousands of people end up seeking emergency medical care every year because of slip-and-fall incidents.
In some of those cases, the people who fall may sustain significant injuries. Those dealing with the aftermath of a slip-and-fall or a trip-and-fall, which is similar, may wonder if the business where they fell is liable for their losses.
When can those injured in slip-and-fall incidents hold a business accountable for what happened?
When there is evidence of negligence
Typically, slip-and-fall premises liability claims depend on allegations of negligence. Specifically, injured people may assert that the business or property owner failed to adequately maintain the facilities.
The situation may constitute negligence if another reasonable adult can readily identify the risk factor that caused the slip-and-fall and an appropriate way to correct that issue. Provided that there is evidence supporting the claim of negligent property maintenance, such as a failure to secure rugs in entranceways or keep them clean, then the injured person might have a straightforward premises liability claim.
When there are verifiable losses
Someone falling and feeling embarrassed does not justify a premises liability lawsuit. On the other hand, significant injuries might warrant premises liability litigation. Slip-and-fall incidents can cause a number of expenses that justify the pursuit of compensation.
Emergency medical care immediately after the slip-and-fall and ongoing treatment expenses can add up to tens of thousands of dollars in some cases. Injured people may miss work because of their slip-and-fall injuries.
They might also have property damage losses to address. Clothing, personal technology and jewelry could all end up damaged in slip-and-fall situations. Evidence validating the assertion that the incident caused economic harm is typically necessary for a successful premises liability lawsuit.
Those dealing with the aftermath of a slip-and-fall incident may want to discuss their situation with a skilled legal team to determine what rights they may have. Filing a premises liability lawsuit is sometimes the most expedient way to secure compensation either from a business or its insurance provider.