Slip and fall accidents tend to result in severe injuries, leaving victims with medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. To hold the owner of a property accountable for your injuries, you must prove negligence. Here’s a guide to understanding how to build a strong slip-and-fall case.
Establishing Duty of Care
Property owners have the legal responsibility to maintain safe premises. This duty applies to both private and commercial property owners. For example, a store owner must ensure aisles are clear of hazards, and a landlord must fix broken steps or lighting.
To prove negligence, you must first show that the owner of the property owed you this duty of care.
Identifying a Breach of Duty
Next, you’ll need to demonstrate that the property owner actually failed to meet their duty of care. This could involve showing that:
- The hazardous condition existed long enough for the owner to address it.
- The owner or employees caused the dangerous condition.
- There were no warnings, like signs or barriers, to prevent harm.
For example, if you slipped on a wet floor in a grocery store that wasn’t marked with a caution sign, this could indicate a breach of duty.
Proving the Hazard Caused Your Injury
It’s critical to connect the dangerous condition directly to your injury. Medical records, accident reports, and photos of the scene can serve as vital evidence. Witness statements can also be really helpful for your case by corroborating your account of the incident.
Demonstrating Damages
Finally, you must prove that the injury caused you financial or emotional harm. This may include:
- Medical bills.
- Lost wages.
- Pain and suffering.
Seek Legal Guidance
Slip-and-fall cases can be challenging to navigate alone. At The Law Offices of Bailey & Burke, we have the expertise to gather evidence, consult experts, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case and protect your rights.