Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common injury-causing incidents that happen throughout Indiana and the rest of the country. If a property owner or premises manager in Greenwood was responsible for the injuries you sustained in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to hold them liable by filing a premises liability lawsuit.
Contact an experienced Greenwood slip and fall injury attorney today to learn more about your rights. At Sevenish Law Firm, you’ll get personalized support to help fight for the compensation you need.
How Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen?
Hazardous conditions are a leading cause of slip and fall injuries. In order to succeed in a slip and fall lawsuit, you must show that a hazardous condition existed on the property, and that the defendant or property owner manager had notice of this hazard.
Hazardous conditions referred to something dangerous that caused your fall. This could include a slippery substance on the floor, a pothole, uneven concrete, tears in the carpet, or even bad handrails.
It is very important to document your slip and fall accident as soon as possible after it happens, so that you can use this as a basis for your premises liability lawsuit.
Common Injuries from Slips, Trips, and Falls
Some people may experience minor injuries when they slip and fall, but it’s more common to develop serious medical issues. Plenty of people underestimate the impact of a slip and fall injury and only realize later that they have painful conditions caused by the trip.
Some of the most common injuries in slip and fall accidents include:
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Ankle and knee injuries
- Wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries
- Facial injuries, lacerations, cuts, and chronic pain
You may not immediately notice the symptoms of these slip and fall injuries as they may develop in the hours and days following the accident. Make sure you report your accident to the property owner regardless, and get medical attention to protect yourself in the event that symptoms evolve.
When is a Negligent Property Owner Liable?
A property owner in Greenwood is liable if they had notice of a dangerous condition and failed to take corrective steps to remove it.
Many people struggle with the concept of what’s appropriate notice to a property owner. You must be able to show that the landowner had actual notice or actual knowledge of the hazard and didn’t fix the problem or warn others about it.
If you can show that the hazard was caused by the property owner’s natural activities, you may not be required to prove notice at all. If a property owner could have taken certain steps to reduce risks and failed to do so, they might be named in a slip and fall lawsuit.
Some proactive steps for a property owner to take that protect people on their premises include:
- Repairing wrinkled or loose carpeting
- Mopping up spills immediately
- Placing signs on the property to warn people about obstacles
- Preventing slippery floors by cleaning water or ice
- Keeping the property and walkways clear
- Repairing crumbling or unsteady steps
- Installing handrails on staircases
If a property owner breaches their legal responsibility to keep people on their premises safe, this may result in a lawsuit. Victims of slip and fall accidents caused by hazards have a legal right to pursue compensation against at-fault parties.
Damages Available in a Slip and Fall Claim
There are two types of damages that can be awarded to a slip and fall victim in Indiana, known as economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are more easily calculated because they refer to things like lost wages, medical bills, trips to the doctor, and property damage.
Non-economic damages include things like pain and suffering, lost quality of life, and mental anguish. Working with a qualified attorney is extremely important, especially as many slip and fall cases are likely to resolve outside of court.
The length of your slip and fall case will depend on numerous factors, including how long it takes to treat your injuries, any challenges faced in collecting evidence and negotiation.
How to Protect Your Claim After a Fall At a Property
The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of your accident may strongly influence your right to recovery and potential damages. Many store owners will try to get you to sign paperwork or fill out reports about what happened, but it’s important to talk to an attorney before agreeing to sign anything.
A few other things to keep in mind that will protect your claim include:
- Go to the doctor, even if you’re not yet sure you’ve been hurt
- Keep notes of all your bills and medical appointments
- Document evidence from the scene and get contact details for witnesses
A Greenwood Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help
The right lawyer can play a crucial role in the development of your case. Hiring an experienced premises liability attorney is extremely important for protecting your legal rights. When you’re unsure what to do after a slip and fall accident, contact an attorney with the right experience in slip and fall accidents in Indiana.
Randall Sevenish is your trusted Greenwood slip and fall lawyer with the attentiveness and drive to manage your case from start to finish.
Let Sevenish Law fight for the best possible outcome for you in your slip and fall injury case. Contact us today.
