Whether it be a slippery floor, a cracked sidewalk, or an icy walkway, a slip and fall accident can happen just about anywhere. Although slip and fall cases are common, verdicts can vary greatly. In many cases, it is difficult to judge who is at fault, but when arguing a case, a slip and fall attorney must prove liability. Today, a slip and fall attorney from Tolbert Beadle, LLC explains the importance of liability in a slip and fall case.
Is the Property Owner at Fault?
To win your case, a slip and fall attorney must prove that the property owner is liable for your injuries. To prove liability, you must prove that the property owner either knew about the dangerous conditions and chose to ignore them or that the property owner actually caused the dangerous conditions that led to your injuries.
For example, if you slip and fall on a puddle from a leaky roof, you must prove that the property owner took no action to prevent people from slipping, such as placing a warning sign next to the puddle. If the owner had no knowledge of the leak or did not have adequate time to address it, the accident probably is not their fault.
Are You at Fault?
In many slip and fall cases, you may be responsible for your own injuries. Clumsiness and personal negligence are sure ways to lose your case.
First, if you did not have a legitimate reason for being on a person’s property, you will most likely be at fault for your injuries. For example, if the accident happened while you were trespassing on your neighbor’s lawn, your neighbor would not be responsible for your injuries.
Second, if you engage in an activity that puts you in danger of having a slip and fall accident, the property owner wouldn’t be responsible for your injuries. Such activities can include texting and walking, refusing to use a handrail when walking down icy steps, or simply ignoring a warning sign.
Keep in mind that you are generally responsible for being aware of your surroundings and refusing to take notice of danger or use precautions puts you at fault.
Contact a Slip and Fall Attorney
Proving liability in a slip and fall case can be extremely difficult. The situation is rarely black white, and sometimes, both parties may be partially responsible for the accident. Although slip and fall cases are complicated, working with a slip and fall attorney helps build a case.
If you win your slip and fall case, you may be able to recover damages for medical bills and missing work. If you were recently injured in a slip and fall case and you believe the property owner is at fault, contact a slip and fall attorney at Tolbert Beadle, LLC to set up a consultation.
