A slip and fall injury can be very tricky. When it happens, the immediate question is in regards to who is at fault. Was it the property owner's fault for not seeing to proper safety precautions? Was it your fault for not being safe or following posted warnings regarding safety? Or was it no one's fault - just a fluke that cannot be laid on anyone's shoulders? The answer to this question will have a huge impact on your life for weeks to come, so it's important to spend some time determining how best to answer it.
The Rules Regarding Slip and Falls
If a slip and fall occurs on someone's property, the onus is on them to have told the faller that there was a risk. If the sidewalk or stairs were slippery or the floor was wet, everything in their power should have been done to ensure the surface was treated and that signs were placed. If someone doesn't take these efforts, the result can be a number of unwanted side effects, such as a slip and fall accident.
If they took all precautions and someone ignored the signs or was running around when they shouldn't have been, the legal fault can be dicier to dissect, but will usually not fall on anyone - due to the behaviour of the person who was hurt.
Your Legal Rights in Such an Accident
The legal rights almost always fall to the person who was hurt, but it will depend on the situation and the way in which it is documented. If there are witnesses on either side and if pictures of documentation can be provided, there are any number of legal actions that can be taken along the way.
If it comes to the point that you need to take legal action regarding your slip and fall accident, it is a good idea to find someone who is familiar with the laws surrounding such accidents. That means contacting a lawyer and learning exactly what you can and cannot do. The primary concern should always be to handle your medical expenses, but even beyond that you may need to find recompense for lost work or pain and suffering. This article is not meant to replace qualified legal advice.
Contact Bloom Legal LLC of New Orleans, Louisiana today at
www.bloomlegal.com