According to figures provided by the National Floor Safety Institute, more than one out of every five emergency room visits results from a fall each year. That works out to more than eight million emergency room visits annually. While some falls are unavoidable, others occur due to a hazardous condition on the premises of a landowner.
If you or a loved one were injured on another person’s property, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your damages. A George County slip and fall lawyer could investigate your accident and collect evidence to help prove the property owner’s negligence. Speak to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to learn about your legal rights and options.
Falls occur for a variety of reasons including:
A seasoned George County slip and fall lawyer could investigate the fall and determine the exact cause of the accident.
Understanding the cause of a fall is not enough to determine the viability of an injury claim. Whether a plaintiff has a viable claim also depends on their status on the property where the fall occurred.
A victim’s recovery could depend on their purpose for visiting the property. There are three types of visitors in a slip and fall case, and a property owner owes them a standard of care. The categories of visitors include invitees, licensees, and trespassers.
An invitee enters a property with permission and does so for the benefit of the property owner. The property owner owes an invitee a duty to ensure the premises are reasonably safe and warn them of potential hidden hazards.
A licensee also enters a property with permission, but they do so for their own purposes. A common example of a licensee is a social guest. A property owner owes a licensee a duty to warn them of hidden dangers.
Trespassers enter a property without the owner’s permission. In most cases, a landowner owes them no duty of care. In other words, they are not liable for damages should the trespasser trip and fall. However, one exception is when the property owner intentionally injures a trespasser.
Ensuring the safety of their guests is an important role of every property owner. However, that does not mean they are responsible for every injury that takes place on their land. A skilled lawyer could review the facts of your case and determine whether you have a valid civil action claim.
If you suffered an injury on another’s property, a George County slip and fall lawyer could help you file a claim, advocate on your behalf, and help you seek the compensation you need. You may be eligible for a wide range of damages, including present and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Call today to learn about how you could hold a property owner accountable for their actions.