Homeowners and business owners bear responsibility for the safety of people on their property. “Slip and fall injuries” describes injuries that occur as the result of dangerous or hazardous conditions on someone’s property. The victim may have slipped on something wet, tripped on an unstable surface or fallen because of poor lighting or gaps in the floor. Although many people consider slips and falls to be commonplace, children and elders can suffer serious falls that impair their ability to walk or function.
According to law, the person in control of the property has a responsibility to correct all known hazardous conditions. If an accident does occur, the owner could be found liable for failing to keep the premises safe. The owner may have to pay compensation for the medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering of the plaintiff, depending on the circumstances of the situation.
Where Do Slip and Fall Injuries Occur?
Slip and fall injuries can occur anywhere, including grocery stores, restaurants, shopping centers and even private residences. Slips and falls are the leading cause of injury in the United States and account for 16,000 deaths each year. Even though a large portion of slips and falls are not fatal, they can have serious health consequences including leaving the victim unable to walk.
Over 70 percent of slips and falls are the result of dangerous conditions and hazardous surfaces from the environment such as icy steps and wet floors. Other factors that can cause slips and falls include:
- poorly maintained equipment
- food spillage
- floor defects
- leaking pipes
Slips and falls can occur virtually anywhere and include falls where the victim falls either forward or backward.
Who is Responsible for Slip and Fall Injuries?
Property owners, operators and managers can be liable for slips and falls. They are also responsible for their employees, which mean the failure of an employee to keep a clean floor will ultimately fall on the owner.
Slip and fall injury cases can be difficult to prove because the finger often points to someone else. For example, if you’re shopping at a supermarket and trip on a wet floor, the owner may accuse you of causing the floor to be wet. In this instance, you will have to prove that the owner knew of the hazardous condition and had the appropriate amount of time to repair the condition and make it safe for customers. You can also show that the situation is a common occurrence, for example, wet floors as the result of a thunderstorm, and that with the frequency of it, the owner should have been aware of the potential hazard.
Tucson Slip & Fall Lawyer Team Help
When contacting an experienced lawyer, an immediate investigation will be conducted. In the investigation you can expect the following:
- The premises of the slip or fall will be evaluated.
- Evidence will be secured.
- Witnesses will be tracked down.
- Prior complaints or fall accidents will be tracked down.
If you or someone you love has experienced a slip and fall because of another person’s negligence, the owner of the property may be responsible for paying your medical expenses. An experienced Tucson personal injury attorney can assess your situation and determine if the owner is at fault. Submit a short and simple case form today, or call us today toll free at 1-800-THE-EAGLE.