Many people don’t realize how dangerous a slip-and-fall can be until they experience one. Same-level falls are not as dangerous as falls from significant elevations. However, they can cause major or even fatal injuries.
People who fall because of unsafe conditions at businesses may have significant medical issues to address. They could break a bone, sustain a soft tissue injury or even acquire a traumatic brain injury (TBI) if they hit their heads when they fall. Injuries caused by a slip-and-fall can create at least tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses. The injured person may also lose wages while they recover or experience a permanent reduction in earning potential if they have an acquired TBI. How can people hurt in a slip-and-fall scenario cover the costs of their medical care?
Pursuing a premises liability lawsuit
Property owners and businesses have to ensure that their properties meet basic safety standards. Keeping the floors clean and dry, for example, is a common-sense measure to protect people from suddenly falling while walking.
If a business or property owner fails to do what is reasonably necessary for the safety of visitors, then there may be direct liability if visitors get hurt because they fall. Typically, businesses and property owners carry insurance that provides them with premises liability coverage.
The policy can reimburse injured parties for medical expenses, lost wages and even property damage costs. Pursuing a premises liability lawsuit requires that the injured person take the right steps.
Responding effectively to a slip-and-fall
There are several important steps to take that can increase the chances of successfully securing compensation for a slip-and-fall. The person who falls may want to use their mobile phone to take pictures or record a video of the scene where they fell. They can preserve evidence of unsafe property conditions.
They typically need to notify the owner or manager of the business about the incident before they leave. Filling out and signing an incident report can help injured visitors prove that they fell at the business.
They need to see a health care professional to diagnose and treat their condition. Once they have a diagnosis and treatment plan, they have a rough estimate of what their care may cost. They can use that information as they attempt to seek compensation.
Pursuing premises liability compensation after a slip-and-fall injury can be a complicated process. Injured people who have the support of legal professionals may be better able to focus on healing.