Slip and Fall

Premises liability claims arise when an individual is negligently harmed by a dangerous condition on a property or by an activity occurring on a property. Depending upon the circumstances, these claims may be brought against the landowner, the possessor of the land, and/or the user of the land.

The most common premises liability claims are commonly known as either slip and falls or as trip and falls. Other common examples of these claims include the failure to warn of a dangerous condition, a defect in the property itself (such as a hole in the parking lot), and inadequate security.

Under the law, you are entitled to make a claim for compensatory damages if you were negligently harmed by another’s negligent actions or inactions. These compensatory damages include medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. If the negligence was particularly egregious, you may also be able to make a claim for punitive damages.

There are many scenarios from which a premises liability claim can arise. One of the most common scenarios is when a slippery substance, such as water, is allowed to accumulate on the floor and a person slips and falls as a result. Another common scenario would be where a parking lot is not maintained in good repair and a person trips and falls as a result.

Even if you are injured at a friend or relative’s home, you can still pursue a premises liability claim. Most residential properties are covered by homeowner’s insurance. Rental units are also typically covered by renter’s insurance. As such, you do not need to be injured on a commercial property in order to pursue a premises liability claim.

The first thing you should do is call for medical assistance. You should also attempt to document the condition that caused you to be injured. Taking photos of the scene on your cell phone, for example, can be of great benefit to a lawyer later on. If possible, you should also attempt to obtain the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. You should also consult with a lawyer, such as the lawyers at Abaray Craddock & Smith, PLLC, as soon as possible to ensure that your legal rights are protected.