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Personal Injury

Recovering Compensation for Slip and Fall Injuries

August 13, 2021

A victim can pursue compensation if his or her injuries were sustained due to a property owner’s carelessness or negligence. Property owners are required to keep their premises clear of hazards for the people who visit. If a property owner violates this responsibility and a person has a slip and fall accident, the victim may be entitled to compensation.

When a Property Owner Is Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident

Property owners should exercise reasonable care to prevent people from falling on their property. If a property owner fails to exercise the level of care that a reasonable person with ordinary prudence would exercise in the same circumstance, the proprietor is said to be negligent. He or she may be liable for a person’s damages caused by the negligence.

Instances, where a proprietor may be liable for injuries, include if the victim fell due to:

  • Wet floors resulting from accidental spills or recent mopping
  • Irregular walking surfaces
  • Poorly constructed staircases
  • Poor lighting
  • Tripping hazards
  • Poor housekeeping

Damages that can be recovered through personal injury lawsuits for slip and fall accidents include medical expenses, lost income, costs of property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional or mental distress.

Recovering Compensation After Slip and Fall Accidents

There are several options for recovering compensation for losses after slip and fall accidents. One can make a claim on the proprietor’s homeowners insurance. Some policies, however, do not cover accident liability.

Another option for pursuing compensation is by filing a personal injury lawsuit. A personal injury case does not necessarily have to go to court. A slip and fall lawyer can negotiate a suitable settlement for a victim’s injury or help him or her win a case in court.

Steps to Take After Suffering Slip and Slide Injuries

After a slip and fall, a victim can do several things to strengthen a case for compensation. He or she should seek medical treatment to create medical records documenting the injuries sustained. Such records help prove the accident happened and the injuries sustained were due to the accident.

If a person is well enough, pictures of the scene of the accident should be captured immediately after the slip and fall occurs. Pictures should include any obstacle or hazard that caused the fall and the general area. Other recommendations include capturing images of the injuries suffered and any other associated losses, informing the proprietor of the injuries, and speaking to witnesses. 

About The Author

Photo of Jeffrey  Goldberg
Attorney Jeffrey M. Goldberg has spent his entire professional career handling cases involving birth injury, medical malpractice, product liability and related accidents.