Slip, trip, and fall lawsuits are among the most common personal injury claims made in the United States. Whether indoor or outdoor, slip and fall accidents can lead to very serious injuries, which can subsequently lead to excessive damages and losses. For this reason and more, it is vital for a slip and fall victim to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to help represent their claim. This will ensure they receive the full and fair amount of compensation needed to cover all their economic damages and losses, as well as, pain and suffering in extreme cases.
Indoor slip and fall accidents are commonly caused by spills, improper shoe wear, poor lighting, and negligent management. But what about outdoor slip and fall accidents? How do they occur? Who is liable for such accidents? Continue reading to find out!
Slip, Trip, and Fall Liability
In terms of culpability, the blame can be on either side. There are several factors that influence the amount of fault for a slip and fall incident, including duty of care, weather conditions, shoe wear, warning signs, and more. This means that in such a case, both the victim and the proprietor can be liable for the damages that ensued. In other cases, the liable party is cut and dry. It simply varies from case to case, as each claim is unique in itself.
Inclement Weather
One of the most common causes for slip and fall accidents is inclement weather like heavy rain, ice, and snow. In most jurisdictions, property owners are not obligated under law to remove ice and snow from the exterior premises. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If certain conditions of the property (i.e. negligent maintenance) cause an unnatural buildup of snow or ice that creates unsafe conditions, they can be held liable for any injuries caused to people. An example would be if a clogged gutter frozen with ice begins to melt and drip excessively off the roof, making the walkway below slippery and unstable. The property owner has a duty of care to address a clogged gutter and prevent unsafe snow and ice accumulation.
Additional Causes Include:
- Poor Lighting
- Unleveled Sidewalk or Pavement
- Loose Steps or Railing
- Poor Parking Lot Maintenance
- Burst Pipe
- And More
Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with an experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer about your potential slip and fall accident claim . They offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis.
