Slip-and-fall incidents can occur for a variety of different reasons. Some people fall because they engage in horseplay in public spaces. Other people might fall due to chemical impairment. However, many slip-and-fall incidents occur due to factors outside of a person’s control. They encounter hazards that they did not expect and end up falling as a result. Slip-and-falls can occur because of accumulated moisture or spilled merchandise. People could also trip and fall if there are obstacles in a walkway at a store.
Slip-and-fall injuries are sometimes relatively serious. People can break bones or develop painful soft tissue injuries. They could also hit their heads and acquire a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Someone with serious injuries from a slip-and-fall may have medical expenses and possibly lost wages as well. Is the business where a fall occurred liable for the financial impact of someone’s slip-and-fall injuries?
Businesses are sometimes liable for customer injuries
The concept of premises liability establishes that property owners and business tenants managing a space are responsible if people get hurt due to negligent facility maintenance. Many slip-and-fall injuries are clearly the result of negligent business practices.
Either improper maintenance, inadequate cleaning or understaffing can directly cause a slip-and-fall where someone develops significant if not life-altering injuries. If the average person might agree that the business clearly failed to do what was necessary for safety or did something obviously unsafe, then be injured person may have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit based on negligence.
Specialized insurance policies carried by businesses help them cover expenses related to premises liability claims. For someone to have a chance at compensation, they often need to follow certain specific procedures. For example, they need to notify the business about the incident as soon as it occurs. They need to see a medical professional to diagnose and treat their injuries. They may need to initiate legal action in a timely fashion. Often, support from an attorney is necessary when navigating a complicated slip-and-fall injury claim.
People often need help understanding their rights and proving that a business was negligent and therefore to blame for their slip-and-fall injuries. Discussing the situation that led to a slip-and-fall with the assistance of a skilled legal team can help someone determine if they may have grounds to take legal action.