Slip-and-falls are rarely at the top of the list of dangerous situations people might face in public. However, they are relatively common. While the vast majority of slip-and-falls only result in minor injuries, they can have devastating consequences.
A same-level fall could lead to broken bones, brain injuries and other traumatic injuries that require medical attention or keep people from working. Those hurt in a slip-and-fall may blame the business where the incident occurred.
When is a company responsible for injuries sustained by visitors?
When the incident was preventable
Slip-and-falls can easily be the fault of the person injured. Individuals who are under the influence in public or who wear shoes without adequate traction could end up hurt due to their own choices.
However, slip-and-falls can occur through no fault of the person who fell. Such incidents frequently occur due to spills, accumulated dirt or tripping hazards. Businesses generally need to maintain their facilities in a way that permits safe access.
If a reasonable adult could identify the hazard that caused a slip and fall and how to address it for enhanced public safety, then the person who fell may have grounds for a negligence claim. Allegations of failing to do what is necessary for safety can make a business liable for injuries sustained by visitors.
If better facility maintenance or staffing practices could have prevented the slip and fall incident, then the injured person may have grounds to pursue a premises liability insurance claim or possibly even file a personal injury lawsuit. Reviewing the circumstances of a recent slip and fall can be beneficial for those hurt in incidents at businesses and business leaders trying to respond appropriately to injury claims.