What to Know About a Slip and Fall Injury
March 25, 2021 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
Each winter, Minnesotans suffer fall-related injuries as a result of dangerous weather conditions. The number of people taken to the hospital suffering fractures, broken bones, or more serious injuries increases as roads and sidewalks become covered with ice and snow. “Slip and fall” is a term used to describe a personal injury case where an individual falls, trips, or slips on another person’s property. Read on as we discuss what to know about a slip and fall injury.
What is a slip and fall claim?
Slip and fall cases usually fall under the umbrella of “premise liability” claims. This is where the accident occurs on property that is maintained or owned by someone else. There are many hazardous conditions that can result in a slip and fall claim. These can include poor lighting, narrow staircases, torn or damaged flooring, or a wet floor. The most common condition for these types of claims in the winter is ice and snow, or a hidden hazard like a pothole in the ground. Premise liability makes the owner of the property liable for any injuries sustained on their property. Property owners may include a homeowner, business, government agency, or an agent representing an owner like a rental company.
What to do after a slip and fall accident
The action you take after a slip and fall is critical should you require legal assistance. Immediately report the accident to the property owner, staff, landlord, or management. Seek medical attention right away at the hospital or urgent care, or with your medical provider the same day. It’s important to relay the exact details of the accident to medical staff, explaining where, when, and how you were injured. If possible, gather evidence of the accident, including pictures of the conditions that led to the fall. If the accident occurred at a business, ask to fill out an incident report on-site as well as witness contact information.
When to seek legal representation
If you’ve suffered injuries due to a slip and fall, it’s in your best interest to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney. To win a slip and fall claim, you must prove the property owner either had prior knowledge or should have known about the dangerous conditions and failed to take the appropriate action to protect you. Your attorney will build a case based on the fact that you suffered your injuries due to owner negligence. Again, taking the appropriate action immediately following your accident can dramatically increase your chances of success in court.
Barna, Guzy & Steffen has an outstanding team of personal injury attorneys available to talk to you about your specific needs. Conveniently located in Coon Rapids, MN, we serve clients throughout the northwest metro and surrounding areas. Contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.