Slips, Trips, and Falls: Personal Injury FAQS

Of all injury claims reported within a given fiscal year, injuries related to slips, trips, and falls account for approximately 25%. But if you’ve fallen while on someone else’s property and have sustained an injury, you might be curious about what steps you can take. We’re answering some of the most common questions related to slip and fall injuries in today’s post.

What are some common reasons slip and fall injuries occur?
There are countless situations in which this type of injury could occur. Rough pavement, snow and ice, poor lighting, old carpeting, broken railings, and even a spilled drink could result in a serious injury. They can occur almost anywhere, from city streets and sidewalks to your friend’s home.

What does “premises liability” mean?
“Premises liability” refers to the legal responsibility a property owner, manager, or employee has to make sure the property in their care is safe and secure for any and all visitors. They have an obligation to ensure conditions meet certain standards and must also carry insurance to cover anyone who is injured on their property. A premises liability claim is a suit that can be filed to seek accident-related losses when someone is injured (or killed) due to a property owner’s negligence.

Should I seek out a personal injury lawyer near me after a slip and fall accident?
If you’ve been inclined to conduct an internet search for “personal injury lawyer near me,” you certainly aren’t alone. It’s also important to remember that, more than likely, your slip and fall accident wasn’t actually your fault. Although accidents happen, if a property owner was negligent in their maintenance duties and that led to your injury, you should absolutely talk to an attorney to see whether you might have a viable case.

Is my friend or personally responsible for paying my bills?
One reason a lot of people are reluctant to even consider typing “personal injury lawyer near me” into their search engine is because they don’t want to put their friend or family member in a terrible position. It’s understandable that you wouldn’t want to damage an important relationship, even if your accident has led to sky-high medical costs. But you need to know that filing this kind of claim doesn’t involve suing your friend or family member; it involves filing a claim against their insurer. Your loved one won’t be responsible for paying your bills themselves. That’s what insurance is for.

Slip and fall injuries may seem like they’re relatively low-risk, but they can be a lot more serious than you’d think. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s property negligence, it’s important to speak with a lawyer right away.