You are walking down the grocery store aisle when you suddenly slip and fall, injuring yourself. This can be an extremely frightening experience, especially if it occurs in a public place.
While many people would panic, it is important to remember that there are laws designed to protect you if you are injured due to someone else’s negligence. Cases involving slip and fall accidents can be complicated, and some considerations have nothing to do with money. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may need to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Here is a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about slip and fall cases before calling a personal injury lawyer.
What Is A Slip and Fall Case?
A slip and fall accident occurs when someone trips and falls on someone else’s property. These types of accidents can happen in various places, including grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, theme parks, and parking lots.
If someone else was at fault for your fall and you are injured as a result, you may have a valid case for compensation. It is important to note that there are time limits for filing these types of lawsuits, so you will need to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
After you have been in a slip-and-fall accident, you must obtain as much information as you can in the immediate aftermath.
Record the names of any witnesses and take pictures of any significant damage to the area. You will then want to contact the business manager where the slip and fall occurred. If the manager is unavailable, ask to speak with his or her supervisor. Explain what happened and ask for the business owner’s name, phone number, and address.
If the fall caused significant damage to the property, you should also report it to the authorities. The police will often issue a citation at the scene, which you can use in your lawsuit.
Damages in Slip and Fall Cases
There are a few different types of damages that may be awarded in a slip and fall case. They include:
- Medical bills – You may be awarded compensation for any medical bills associated with your injuries, including prescription medications and therapy.
- Lost wages – If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may be awarded compensation for lost wages. This will depend heavily on your profession and how long your recovery will take.
- Pain and suffering – This award is meant to compensate you for the pain and suffering you will have to endure as you recover.
- Loss of enjoyment – This damages award is given to compensate you for any lifestyle changes if you have to stay home to recover or make other changes in your daily routine.
In Conclusion
When most people hear the phrase “slip and fall case,” they assume it’s a fairly simple personal injury lawsuit. After all, it’s just about falling on some slippery surface and getting hurt, right?
Well, that’s actually not the case at all… and as you can see, slip and fall cases are not as straightforward as many people assume. In fact, there are quite a few complexities to these types of cases that may surprise you.
So, if you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident and are interested in filing a personal injury claim, consider the information above before going forward with your case.
