When a slip and fall accident happens, you can have severe injuries like broken bones, spinal injuries, and head injuries.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident that was caused by someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior, you may be entitled to compensation. Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers is a team of attorneys serving Orangeburg, SC, with years of experience in personal injury law. We can meet with you in our Orangeburg office at a convenient time for you.
What are Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?
If you become injured on someone else’s property because they did not maintain the premises or acted in a way that led to your injuries, the owner may be responsible for damages. Here are some examples of unsafe conditions that may cause a slip and fall.
● Bad lighting
● Loose or broken handrails or banisters
● Wet floors or puddles
● Broken elevators or escalators
● Broken stairs
● Uncovered manholes
● Uneven or cracked floors or sidewalks
● Torn carpets
● Obstructed views
How Do You Win a Slip and Fall Case?
In order to win compensation in a slip and fall case, it must be shown that the property owner was responsible for the injuries by providing the following:
● Proof that the property owner failed to maintain the premises or created a dangerous situation that caused the injuries
● Proof that the property owner knew about the dangers but didn’t warn visitors
● Proof that the owner’s negligence caused the unsafe conditions
You also need to look at whether the defendant acted reasonably. An example of acting reasonably would be putting a ‘wet floor’ sign up if floors are wet and slippery.
Who is Responsible for a Slip and Fall Accident?
When a slip and fall accident occurs on a property other than your home and was caused by someone else’s negligence, it may be the fault of the property owner or the tenant.
If you slip on a wet floor inside a store, and no signage was put up to let you know the floor was wet, the business may be at fault because they did not take precautions to keep you safe.
If you slip outside the shop on the sidewalk or the parking lot, the property owner may be responsible. If that shop owner does not own the property, it may be the property owner’s responsibility. If they don’t, then you may be able to hold them at fault.
If you fall on a sidewalk or other public space that was not well maintained, you may be able to hold the city or county at fault.
Each trip and fall case is different, and it’s not always easy to figure out who is to blame. Your lawyer will review the information and determine at-fault parties.
Can I Be Responsible for My Slip and Fall Accident?
In some cases, a slip and fall may be somewhat your fault, and the owner may also be to blame. In these cases, it will need to be determined how ‘at-fault’ you are for and how ‘at-fault’ someone else is. The amount of compensation you can get is based on how much or little you are at fault.
For example, if damages equal $100,000 and it is determined that you are 30% at fault for the accident, you will be compensated $70,000. 30% of the full damage amount would be deducted from the total amount you may be owed. If you are at fault, however, you may not be able to recover anything for your damages.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Get for My Slip and Fall Case?
Here are some examples of what you may be compensated for.
Physical Pain
Injuries from falls can cause severe pain. You might be entitled to compensation for this physical pain.
Loss of Wages
If you were injured, you may not be able to return to work. Your injuries may make it impossible for you to perform the duties of your current job and you may be forced to take a lower-paying position. The at-fault party will need to compensate you for any lost wages or loss in income.
Medical Expenses
The defendant will be responsible for repaying medical expenses including those that happened after the accident as well as ongoing expenses that cover the costs of wheelchair ramps, prosthetics, in-home nursing, and more.
Emotional Suffering
A slip and fall can leave real emotional suffering long after the physical suffering is gone.
Why Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers May Be the Best Choice for Your Orangeburg, SC Slip and Fall Accident
When you are hurt in a slip and fall accident, things can get complicated. It’s vital to have a good lawyer on your side.
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers is a team of attorneys serving Orangeburg, South Carolina, with years of experience dealing with slip and fall cases. We will be by your side every step of the way. We will give you the guidance you need and fight to get you fully compensated. Contact us for a free consultation.
