Slips and falls are common in places of business, but in order to win a lawsuit for your injuries you must prove that the business was at fault under the law.
Below you’ll learn about when you can sue for injuries you sustain during a slip or fall at a place of business.
When is a Business Responsible?
While businesses will typically try to keep their premises free of hazards and dangers that could result in injuries, accidents still happen. Just because you slip and fall in a public place, the business won’t be legally responsible unless the company or its employees acted negligently, or cannot demonstrate sufficient care in protecting you from danger.
For example, if they failed to repair or remove the hazard that caused your injury in a reasonable amount of time, they could be found negligent.
Common Types of Accidents at Businesses
There are many types and causes of personal injuries that can happen at businesses. Slips, falls and collisions are all accidents you can sue a business for. Spills at restaurants are common causes of slips and falls. You may also be able to sue for poor hiring, supervision and training of employees that result in a slip or fall injury.
Understanding Business Negligence
Something to keep in mind if you’re considering suing a business is that the court understands that businesses cannot prevent all accidents. However, businesses are expected to exhibit the same level of care that a reasonable person would exhibit. Preventing any foreseeable future issues, taking precautions, and warning customers about dangers and hazards are just some of the ways businesses can do this.
Business owners that have not inspected or maintained their premises can also be considered negligent if an accident occurs because of this. As the plaintiff, you will need to prove that the business failed to do these things.
What if I am Partially at Fault?
If you were in any way responsible for your injuries, this may be determined in court and the damages you recover will be reduced by the percentage to which the court finds you at fault. For example, if you’re found to be 30% at fault, your settlement amount will be reduced by this much. If you acted unreasonably, the business may only have to pay a small portion of damages.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Laws involving slip and fall cases can be complex, so it’s a good idea to consult with a Slip and Fall Lawyer to better understand your case and your legal rights. Consultations are almost always free, so taking the time to visit a lawyer can be worth it.
Now that you’ve learned about the basics of slip and fall cases at places of business, download our personal injury recovery kit or contact us for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is a general guideline made available for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used as legal advice for the reader's specific situation nor in general. By reading our blog and website content, the reader acknowledges the above and understands there is no lawyer-client relationship created between you and Himelfarb Proszanski through this content. To get specific legal advice, we encourage you to book a free consultation with one of our lawyers to clarify the legal aspects of your situation.