Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and most occur with little to no warning. This is especially true of slip and fall incidents. Many of these accidents occur at businesses, restaurants, and theme parks. According to the Centers For Disease Control, non-fatal slip and fall accidents are the second most common reason of employees missing work.
While many slip and fall accidents are not serious, those that are may result in extensive medical care and disability. Below is an overview of premises liability law and how it pertains to slip and fall accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, it may be helpful to seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer Milwaukee WI trusts.
Premises Liability
When you go onto a property, you have the right to expect the owner has taken reasonable care to ensure your safety. While not every accident will qualify for a personal injury claim under premises liability law, those that happen due to the negligence of the property owner may be eligible.
Accident Causes
While there are many different ways slip and fall injuries can occur, the following are some of the most common accident causes:
- Poor Lighting
- Damaged Sidewalks
- Icy Walkways
- Water on the Floor
- Torn Carpeting
- Road Hazards That Are Unmarked
Common Places Slip And Falls Happen
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but the following places are the most common areas where they occur:
- Shopping Malls
- Amusement Parks
- Stadiums
- Parks
- Playgrounds
- Workplaces
- Stores
- Restaurants
Proving Liability
If you are considering filing a personal injury case for your slip and fall accident, there are some things you should know about proving liability. Since you will be the plaintiff in the case, the burden of proof is on you which means you must be able to prove in court that the property owner was negligent and caused your injuries. To do so, you must prove the following elements existed:
- You Were An Invitee
- The Property Owner Was Aware a Hazard Existed
- The Property Owner Failed to Remedy the Problem
- Your Injuries Were the Result of the Accident
Damages
Being successful in your personal injury lawsuit may result in an award or monetary settlement for certain damages. While these damages can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, the most common are:
- Ambulance Costs
- Hospital Bills
- Doctor Fees
- Surgery Costs
- Pain and Suffering
- Mental Anguish or Distress
- Lost Wages
If you were disabled due to the accident, you may be able to obtain a settlement for future lost wages as well. The purpose of this type of settlement is to compensate you for money you would have earned if you had not been injured due to the property owner’s negligence.
Contact a personal injury lawyer today to discuss all of your options available under the law. While hiring a lawyer cannot erase the damage you suffered in your accident, it may be able to provide the financial resources you need to move forward with your life. Thanks to our friends from Hickey & Turim SC for their insight into slip and fall cases.
