When you’ve been hurt on another person’s property, it can be unclear who is responsible for the injuries you’ve suffered, and who should pay the medical expenses you’ve incurred. According to the National Safety Council, “Slip and fall accidents are the single largest cause of Emergency Room visits.” Especially as the winter months are getting closer and closer, the risk of slip and fall injuries becomes greater. Winter weather, including snow and ice, makes it difficult to keep walkways and sidewalks clear. If you find yourself injured following a slip and fall, here are some tips on how to decide who is at fault.
There are few questions to ask when determining who is a fault. “Could the owner of the property have prevented the accident?” It is the duty of the property owner to maintain safe conditions for its visitors and guests. If the owner of the property has a known dangerous condition on its property and did not repair or fix it, then the owner may be held liable. A property owner can also be found liable if there is a known danger on its property without any warning or barrier around the dangerous area. Anything from slippery floors or known, uneven walkways can be a factor in finding fault in the property owner.
However, there are also many factors that would lead the property owner to not be found liable after an injury. If the visitor or guest injuries themselves on something that would normally be found at the location, then the owner may not be found liable. Every person has a responsibility to be aware of their surroundings and make a conscious effort to avoid dangerous conditions.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident and have questions about your case, call Kaiman & Crahan today to schedule a free consultation.