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Your Legal Rights After a Slip and Fall Injury


— November 23, 2022

Generally speaking, the property owner or occupier will be held liable if they were negligent in maintaining the property safely.


A slip-and-fall accident can happen anywhere, at any time. You may wonder about your legal rights if you’ve been injured in a slip and fall. This article will explore your legal rights after a slip and fall injury. We will discuss topics such as negligence, premises liability, and more. Read on to learn more about what you can do if you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident.

What Is a Slip and Fall Injury?

A slip and fall injury is a type of personal injury that can occur when someone slips, trips, or falls on another person’s property. These accidents happen anywhere but are most likely in stores, restaurants, sidewalks, and other public places.

Injuries from slip-and-fall accidents usually happen because the owner fails to maintain the property or due to neglectful actions. Filing a personal injury lawsuit can benefit you. You might be able to file one against the owner if you were injured on their property.

What to Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall Injury

It’s important to know what your legal rights are so that you can make the best decisions for your health and well-being.

Here are four things you should do immediately after a slip and fall injury:

  • Seek medical attention
  • Document the scene of the accident
  • Get contact information from witnesses
  • Contact a personal injury lawyer

Seek Medical Attention

Taking care of your health after a slip and fall accident is essential. Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, it’s always best to seek medical attention. Some injuries, like concussions, may not present symptoms until hours or days after an accident.

Document the Scene of the Accident

If possible, take photos or videos of the scene of the accident, including any hazards that caused you to fall. This will be helpful evidence if you file a personal injury claim later.

Get Contact Information From Witnesses

If there were any witnesses to your accident, be sure to get their names and contact information. Their testimony could be crucial in establishing liability in your case.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Calling a personal injury lawyer can be the key to navigating any legal woes you face. They’ll provide sound guidance and represent you during your case, which can be the difference between winning or losing. Many slip & fall injury lawyers offer free initial consultations so that you know how to proceed.

Who Is Liable for Your Injuries?

Who is responsible for your injuries depends on several factors, including the circumstances of the accident and the laws in your state.

Generally speaking, the property owner or occupier will be held liable if they were negligent in maintaining the property safely. This means that if the property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to take steps to fix it, they can be held responsible for any injuries that result.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, in some states, liability may be imposed on the property owner even if they are unaware of the dangerous condition. Additionally, specific properties (such as public parks) may have special rules regarding liability.

X-ray of hip fracture; image by Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz, via Unsplash.com.
X-ray of hip fracture; image by Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz, via Unsplash.com.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?

If you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you may be able to recover:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering

If another person’s carelessness caused the accident, you also have a right to sue for punitive damages. Your attorney can help you navigate all the stages of a slip and fall lawsuit.

A Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident and want to learn more about your rights, it is essential to contact an experienced personal injury attorney or law firm. They will help you through filing for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

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