There are many reasons why premises liability law exists. One of them is to keep people safe from preventable accidents and to ensure that property owners are held accountable for their negligence. A common premises liability claim is for slip and fall accidents.
Common slip and fall hazards
One hazard that you’re likely to encounter on both indoor and outdoor property is a slippery surface. Water, oil, polish, mud, ice and even freshly mopped floors can cause you to lose your footing and take a fall. Uneven flooring is another hazard that can lead to slips, trips and falls. This includes loose carpeting or tiles, as well as abrupt changes in elevation (like a step up or down). Poorly lit areas can also pose a trip and fall hazard, as it’s more difficult to see obstacles in your path.
Types of injuries caused by slip and falls
The injuries caused by slip and falls can range from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious injuries like broken bones, concussions, and even spinal cord damage. In some cases, slip and fall accidents can even be fatal.
Premises liability law
Under premises liability law, property owners have a duty to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This means that they must take steps to fix or warn of potential hazards, like slippery floors or uneven flooring. If they fail to do so and you are injured as a result, you may be able to hold them liable for your injuries.
Filing a premises liability claim
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, the first step is to seek medical attention for your injuries. Once you’ve done that, you can start gathering evidence to support your premises liability claim. This may include photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and your medical records.
In the end, premises liability law exists to keep people safe and to hold property owners accountable for their negligence. If you get injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to file a premises liability claim to recover compensation for your injuries.
