Slip & Fall Decoding the Oft-Misunderstood Slip and Fall Personal Injury Cases

In this post, we will take a look at which state and federal rules and regulations are imperative in these cases, how to identify the responsible party, what the consequences are when the accident occurs on public property, and how to prove negligence of the responsible party.

What Are Slip and Fall Accidents?


When someone slips, trips, or falls due to the presence of a hazardous or dangerous condition on someone else's property, it can lead to a slip and fall accident. These hazardous conditions could include anything from inadequate lighting, to hidden and dangerous wires, uncovered holes in the ground, the unexpected presence of water, ice, oil spills, or any other dangerous substance that could cause someone to slip and fall.

The following figures will help us to better understand the significance of slip and fall accidents:​
  • Falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency visits, thus becoming the leading cause of visits
  • Falls represent 40 percent of all nursing home admissions
  • Slip and falls account for over 1 million visits, or 12 percent of total fall
  • For people aged 85 or higher, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death; for those between 65-84 years of age, falls are the second leading cause of injury-related death.

Primary Preparation for a Slip and Fall Lawsuit


In a slip and fall case, you are entitled to receive due compensation for the medical costs of your injuries, loss of work and income, and the mental pain and anguish that you undergo. Let us look at the legal considerations that you will need to take into account, and how to go about understanding them.

Hire an Attorney


There are multiple monetary compensations that you may be entitled to. However, if you believe that the responsible party will grow a conscience, willingly accept fault, and compensate you or your loved one for the injury, then you are being too optimistic.

Hire an experienced and competent New Orleans personal injury attorney to guide you through the legal proceedings, and help you obtain your rightful compensation.

Be Careful What You Say


After a slip and fall accident, you need to be cautious about who you are speaking to and what you are saying. If you are interacting with the property owner whose property you have hurt yourself on, choose your words carefully. This rule applies to all individuals in the defendant's party, including the insurance adjuster and the defendant's attorney. Anything that you say can be misconstrued, or used to downplay the severity of your condition. Phrases like, "I am much better now," or " I did not notice that" can change the context of the occurrence, and possibly the court's interpretation of events.

It is always best to stick to the facts, and reveal something only after prior discussion with your attorney. You can always refuse to speak until you have spoken to your attorney.

Gathering Evidence in a Slip and Fall Lawsuit


Work closely with your attorney to gather evidence about the incident. It is best to take photos of the scene – the sooner you can the better – before the property owner gets an opportunity to repair the surroundings, or try to create "proof" that the accident was your fault. Witness accounts can strengthen your case too, so search for witnesses of the accident. Get the contact numbers of witnesses who can attest to the conditions, prior to your slip and fall accident.

Establishing Responsibility in Slip and Fall Accidents


Note that property owners have a moral and legal duty to keep their premises safe. When they fail to do so, the owner of the property automatically becomes responsible. The maxim behind this conclusion is simple: The property owner knew about the danger present or should have known about it, and could have prevented the injuries that you had to sustain.

While immediate fault for your accident can be attributed to an individual manager who controlled the elements and whose negligence was responsible for the hazard, there may be additional parties who will be named in the legal documents, as well. These will typically include the landlord or owner of the property, or the business owner. In most cases, one or more of these parties will have liability insurance covering the property.

When it is Difficult to Establish Responsibility in a Slip and Fall Case


It is recommended that the responsible party is identified at the beginning of the case. Sometimes, however, it takes time to ascertain responsibility to a particular party. In cases when there is uncertainty regarding the defendants, most jurisdictions allow the lawsuit to name a 'John Doe' defendant. After the defendant has been identified, the court documents can be amended to correct and include the name of the actual responsible party.

Understanding the 'Slip' in Slip and Fall Cases


This is an important element in such cases. The term 'slip' does not literally only mean "to slip," but rather includes all types of injuries, such as a stumble, twist, or any other type of injury. The causes for the injury could be anything from spilled liquids, greasy floors, sharp objects, cracked and unstable steps, broken tiles, potholes, ice and snow, dangerous edges, inadequate lighting, or missing handrails, to name a few.

Determining Claims in Slip and Fall Accident Lawsuits


This will be the most tedious and time-consuming part of the lawsuit. You must sit down with your attorney and, while taking all aspects into consideration, identify which expenses you are facing, and take into account future expenses as well. Make a thorough review of all of your medical costs, lost wages or work opportunities, and additional expenses required to live with your injuries. Make sure that you do not undervalue a claim.

Statute of Limitations in Slip and Fall Cases


There is a time-frame in which the slip and fall lawsuit must be filed. This statute of limitations varies from state to state – usually, it is two years. The deadline can be extended when there is a minor involved.

Also, remember that if you have injured yourself in a government premise, different rules and statute of limitations are applicable. Besides, making a claim against a government entity will require you to file a 'statement of intent to file a lawsuit' against it, before filing the slip and fall suit.

Acquiring Justice Through a Favorable Settlement


The ultimate motive for filing a lawsuit is to pursue and acquire a favorable settlement. To achieve this purpose, you need to hire a competent slip and fall attorney, and be actively involved in all aspects of your slip and fall claim.

Do not make the mistake of believing that the opposing party's insurance adjusters or attorneys will help you, or think of your interests at any time. That's not their job. Integrate all of your information, establish the credibility of your claims, and do your research on slip and fall settlement guides – these steps will help you pursue a favorable settlement.

Often, cases that initially appear favorable to the plaintiff are invalidated when the plaintiff's own conduct is analyzed. This is referred to as "comparative fault or contributory negligence," where the victim him- or herself is attributed some of the blame. Be very careful of this tactic, which is often used by defendants. You and your attorney must work to have a water-tight case before you can receive rightful compensation.​
Accident & Injury Law
Slip & Fall
Jurisdiction
  1. US State Law
About author
A
Aaron Z. Ahlquist is Associate with Herman, Herman & Katz, LLC, a law firm based out of New Orleans, LA. He has served his clients in the areas of union and employee-side labor, employment law, complex and commercial litigation, class action and mass tort, etc. As an associate with HH&K, he has been recognized as one of the Top 40 Attorneys under 40 in the State of Louisiana by The National Trial Lawyers Association.

Comments

here include about the slip and fall accidents related informations.this article include very useful informations.i really like to read this article.i got a clear idea about this topic.thanks a lot for sharing this post. ERP Development Company Dubai
 
Thanks for sharing this article. Really worth reading it.

Trademark Lawyer Fort Lauderdale
Trademark and Patent Attorney | Fort Lauderdale and NJ Offices | MKSPC

If you are seeking a Trademark Attorney' Melvin K. Silverman and associates can assist you. This page is divided into the following areas: Trademark, Trademark Registration, Trademark Infringement, and Trademark Litigation. For a Consultation, Please Contact Us Today. Trademark and Patent Attorney | Fort Lauderdale and NJ Offices | MKSPC
 
Thank you for this information. It's really helpful.

This is why at Perlmutter & Pourshalimi, we value excellent trial skills. Perlmutter & Pourshalimi - Experienced Trial Lawyers We focus on getting the best possible outcome for our clients-even if that means we have to take a case to trial. Most other Attorneys will encourage their clients to settle the case, incurring legal consequences for their clientele. If you've been injured, you will find no better advocate. We offer the most aggressive legal representation, and only get paid if we win your injury case." Perlmutter & Pourshalimi - Experienced Trial Lawyers
 

Article information

Author
Aaron Ahlquist
Article read time
5 min read
Views
13,216
Comments
7
Last update
Rating
5.00 star(s) 1 ratings

More in Accident & Injury

More from Aaron Ahlquist

Share this article

Back
Top