Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of injury in the United States. Over eight million emergency room visits each year are related to falls, and 12% of those incidents are the result of slip and fall incidents in the workplace or on private property. Here, we’ve provided some insights into slip and fall accidents and what financial compensation you may be eligible for if you’ve suffered an injury from a hazardous store or workplace environment.
Establishing Fault
If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident there are certain criteria you need to meet in order to prove negligence and culpability on the part of the store owner. For example, if you were injured by a hazard such as a wet floor in a supermarket, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate that the store employees were grossly negligent in their duty to maintain a safe establishment. If the store had a reasonable amount of notice to address the hazard, you’re likely eligible to pursue compensation for your injuries. The key is being able to actually prove that the store had enough time to resolve the issue.
Partial Responsibility
You’ll also need to prove that the obstacle that caused your injury was not easily avoidable and that you weren’t partially responsible for the accident that occurred. If you’re out in public, you’re expected to operate with a certain degree of caution. If it can be proven that you were at least partly accountable for the injury due to your own recklessness, this will greatly affect the amount of financial compensation you’ll be able to receive.
Notable Slip and Fall Cases
One of the most notable slip and fall cases involved a woman injuring her knee after her shopping cart was a tipped over by a manhole that was covered by water. Home Depot claimed that the woman could have avoided the hazard and was thus responsible for the accident. After the company failed to produce video footage of the event, the jury awarded the plaintiff $950K in compensation. However, in another incident, a woman was hurt after slipping on the floor of a Walgreen’s pharmacy. The plaintiff claimed that there was a puddle of water where she fell but was unable to prove that the hazard existed, despite having told the paramedics what transpired. Because of this, she received no financial compensation. This is why it’s crucial to consult with a personal injury lawyer if you or a loved one has been involved in a slip and fall accident. An established firm can give you the best chance at successfully arguing your case in court.
