While a slip and fall claim may sound simple, it can be among the most complicated personal injury cases to navigate. Issues typically arise when assigning liability, which is a critical aspect of any such claim.
For instance, you may slip and fall in a store and automatically assume that the business owner is legally responsible for your injuries. However, it may not be so straightforward. For example, what were the circumstances that led to your slip and fall? Is there a third party involved, like a subcontractor, that may bear responsibility for the accident?
Proving negligence in a slip and fall claim
To show that the property owner was negligent, they must have owed you a duty of care. It means that you must have been on their premises lawfully. Additionally, the property owner or agent should have taken reasonable care to protect you from the hazard that caused your slip and fall. These preventive actions may include placing warning signs or preventing access to the location with the danger.
Your contribution to the accident may also weigh in. For instance, if you ignored warning signs or weren’t keen enough to notice them, you are partially at fault, which may affect your claim.
Your claim may be time-barred
Like all other personal injury claims, your slip and fall claim is subject to the statute of limitations. If you fail to bring your claim within two years, it may be dismissed, and you may lose your right to collect any compensation for the injuries. The clock starts ticking from the date the accident occurred.
You deserve compensation
The bottom line is that you deserve compensation if another party’s negligence led to your slip and fall. If you are a victim, it is necessary to safeguard your legal right by taking the proper steps in pursuit of justice.