Slip & Fall Accidents

Though often trivialized, many thousands of people are injured each year -- some very seriously -- when they slip or trip and fall on a dangerous floor, a flight of stairs, or a rough or icy patch of ground.

There are numerous causes of slip or trip and fall accidents. These include foreign objects in a walking path, obstructions or defects in the walking surface, unexpected holes or dips in the walking path, and dangerous walking surfaces caused by uneven, rough, or slippery paths.

The property owner or manager has a duty keep the property safe which includes safe walking surfaces. The injured person also has a duty of due care. As such, these cases often involve an allocation of fault between the injured person and the property owner. The first question that should be asked is whether a simple barrier or warning sign could have prevented the accident. The second question is whether the injured person should have been aware of the dangerous condition.

If an accident does occur, it should be documented immediately. Businesses will generally provide an accident report. If the business will not provide a report or the accident occurs on private property, it is critical that you document the accident yourself. You should write down the circumstances, make a list of any witnesses, take photos of the area and any dangerous conditions and seek immediate medical attention if you were injured.

As soon as possible after the accident, you should contact an attorney. It is important that you put the business, resident, property owner or manager on notice of the accident. It is also important that you understand any applicable time limits on your claim.

What to Do in Case of an Accident:

• Identify The Property Owner And/Or Property Manager
• Get The Accident Report From The Property Owner Or Manager
• Obtain The Name Of The Other Party’s Insurance Company And Policy Number
• Obtain The Names, Addresses And Phone Numbers Of Any Witnesses
• Seek Medical Attention If Needed
• Contact An Attorney To Understand Your Rights And Any Applicable Time Limits