Whether walking up the grocery store aisle or down a city block, people should reasonably assume that there will be no unreasonable hazards, debris, or other obstacles in their way. Unfortunately, spills can turn into lingering puddles and broken stairs are left to rot which can cause slip and fall accidents to occur. These accidents can lead to serious injuries and, in the worst cases, death.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a slip and fall accident on another’s property, a seasoned personal injury lawyer could help. A Jackson County slip and fall lawyer could determine whether you have a potential claim and help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Falls are common and could be dangerous. Sprains, broken bones, facial injuries, head, and brain trauma, and spinal cord injuries could result, leaving victims with painful and potentially life-altering consequences.
Falls are common and could be dangerous. Sprains, broken bones, facial injuries, head and brain trauma, and spinal cord injuries could result, leaving victims with painful and potentially life-altering consequences.
Any number of hazards could cause a slip and fall accident, including:
Injured claimants may be able to recover monetary damages if their skilled Jackson County slip and fall lawyer can prove that their injuries resulted from the property owner’s negligence.
Property owners, as well as those occupying and in control of a property, owe a duty of care to people who are invited to or visit their home or place of business. If they breach this duty and someone is injured, the injured person may be able to assert a claim for damages under a theory of premises liability for a slip and fall accident.
To establish slip and fall liability, a plaintiff must prove three elements:
The person who was injured in a slip and fall case is liable for their own conduct if they were not acting in a reasonably appropriate manner. If there was a substance on the floor that causes the slip and fall and they should have known that that substance existed on the floor, then that injured person may not be able to recover. However, if the premises owner had a reasonable opportunity to clean up that slippery surface or clean up that substance, then the premises owner could potentially be liable for any injury sustained on their premises.
It is important to note that in the State of Mississippi, the duty of care owed depends on the relationship between the property owner and the visitor. For example, property owners are held to a higher standard of safety when it comes to business customers rather than trespassers. A dedicated Jackson County slip and fall lawyer could explain the nuances that apply to these claims.
Also, even where plaintiffs are deemed partly at fault for their injuries, Mississippi law permits them to recover reduced damage awards. An experienced attorney could help maximize an injured plaintiff’s recovery.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, a skilled attorney could investigate and review all the relevant evidence including incident reports, witness testimony, medical records, and security camera footage to determine whether you have a viable claim to pursue. If so, the lawyer could file an insurance demand or initiate a lawsuit on your behalf to help ensure you are awarded the compensation that you deserve.
Connect with a Jackson County slip and fall lawyer today to learn more.