If you fell on public or private property and believe you were injured, you should go to the doctor directly after the fall to determine the severity of your injuries and receive treatment. If you neglect to have your condition checked out by a licensed physician after suffering injuries, they could worsen and become more difficult to treat.
It is equally important to seek medical attention if you feel any sort of pain or slight discomfort. This could be a sign of a more serious injury that a medical professional will need to treat.
Going to a physician early on is not only good for your overall well-being, but they will document your visit. This will be good for you should you decide to pursue the property owner for compensation.
Liable Parties in a Slip and Fall Case
There are a few potential parties who can be held liable for your slip and fall accident, including:
The Property Owner, Manager, or Operator
When you fall on someone else’s property, you may be able to hold them liable for your injuries if their negligence is what contributed to your accident. Property owners are generally required to maintain their premises to a certain degree, so it is reasonably safe to enter.
For instance, if a store owner was aware of a broken step that led into their property and neglected to fix it, they could be held accountable if the damaged step caused someone to fall.
A property owner could also be held liable if someone fell on their property due to a dangerous condition that the property owner should have known about. Of course, proving a property owner or operator should have been aware of an unsafe condition can be a bit of a challenge. This is why it benefits a slip and fall accident victim to hire an injury lawyer to assist with their case.
Contractors
If the slip and fall accident occurred on a construction site or was caused by a defect in the property’s structure, a contractor or other third party could be held liable for your accident. Buildings must meet certain coding regulations to ensure they are safe for people to enter.
If a contractor allowed a structure or building to go up knowing it did not meet one or more coding regulations, they too could be held liable for your slip and fall accident.
The Value of Slip and Fall Cases
If you suffered injuries on someone else’s property and it is determined that the property owner/operator is responsible (or partially responsible) for your accident, you may be able to recover compensation from their insurance company—or even the owner themselves.
Some of the damages you might be entitled to collect include:
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Past and future mental anguish
- Medical expenses
- Future loss of earning capacity
Private or Public Property Owners Could Be Liable for Your Injury
Some examples of public property owners include:
- The city
- The state
- The federal government
Some examples of private property owners/operators include:
- Store owners
- Landlords
- Homeowners
In some cases, the property owner may not be held liable for your injuries if the property is being overseen by another party, and it is their duty to ensure the premises is reasonably safe to enter. Your lawyer will help you determine who you can pursue damages from.
Contact an Attorney if You Suffered Injuries in a Slip and Fall Accident
If we determine a property owner/operator is liable for your fall, we will help you fight for a fair outcome in your case. This means we will pursue all responsible parties and even take your case to trial.
If you want a firm working behind you, defending your rights as a slip and fall accident victim, contact High Stakes Injury Law. If you have not yet sought treatment, let us convince you why you should go to the doctor after a fall.