Slip And Fall lawyer St. Paul, MN
A slip-and-fall accident can bruise more than your pride. In fact, slip or trip and fall injuries can cause serious injury and leave you out of work for weeks. Property owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe for visitors, free of slip and fall hazards or defects that can make an accident more likely.
Filing a suit for a slip-and-fall accident sometimes gets a bad rap, but if you’re unable to work and have mounting medical bills from an accident you didn’t cause, then you have the right to demand that the at-fault party pay for your losses. A skilled St. Paul, MN, slip-and-fall lawyer can build a case of negligence against the property owner and fight for just compensation in your claim. Contact Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. today for a free consultation.
How Can A St. Paul Slip And Fall Lawyer Help Me?
Don’t be surprised if the property owner or their insurance company tries to blame you for falling. They may claim you were careless, wearing the wrong shoes, or should have known better than to walk where you were walking. Insurance companies can get creative when it comes to blaming victims, so you need savvy legal representation to combat their claims.
Your slip-and-fall attorney can investigate the incident and build a case proving negligence on the part of the property owner or manager. They can use photos and videos, witness statements, and medical records to demonstrate that the property owner failed in their duty to keep you safe. And, experienced attorneys also know how to properly value your losses, from medical care to your pain and suffering.
Fighting For Fair Compensation In Slip And Fall Claims
Injuries from a slip-and-fall accident can be deceptively serious. Many people instinctively put out their hands to break the fall, which may cause broken or sprained wrists. Sprained or broken ankles are another common injury, as are painful neck, back, and spinal cord injuries. It may be hard for you to work while you’re healing or even take care of your own personal needs.
Rehabilitation from soft tissue damage, which commonly occurs in slip-and-fall accidents, can be painful. You may have to miss even more work to regain your abilities. Your settlement should cover your medical care and any unearned wages from time missed at work. You may also have chronic pain, and your settlement can cover pain and suffering, and emotional distress, too. We fight to secure the maximum value in your case, whether through out-of-court negotiations or in a courtroom.
Do You Need Help After A Slip And Fall Accident?
If you’ve been hurt after slipping and falling, we want to help you. A St. Paul slip and fall lawyer from Bennerotte & Associates, P.A., can investigate your accident and provide personalized legal advice for your next steps. We offer a free consultation, so call today to schedule yours!
Common Causes Of Slip And Fall Accidents And How To Prove Negligence
As a St. Paul slip and fall lawyer can confirm, slip and fall accidents are a frequent cause of injuries, often leading to significant medical bills, lost wages, and long-term health problems. Understanding the common causes of these accidents and knowing how to prove negligence can be crucial for victims seeking compensation.
Common Causes Of Slip And Fall Accidents
1. Wet Or Slippery Floors
- One of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents is wet or slippery floors. Spills, cleaning processes, and even weather conditions can create hazardous surfaces. Property owners have a responsibility to promptly clean up spills and post warning signs to prevent accidents.
2. Uneven Surfaces
- Uneven surfaces, such as cracked sidewalks, loose flooring, or abrupt changes in floor level, pose significant risks. These hazards are often found in poorly maintained properties and can lead to severe injuries if not addressed properly.
3. Poor Lighting
- Inadequate lighting in stairwells, hallways, and parking lots can cause accidents by obscuring potential hazards. Proper lighting is essential for ensuring that people can see and avoid obstacles in their path.
4. Obstructions
- Items left in walkways, such as boxes, cables, or debris, can cause people to trip and fall. Property owners must keep pathways clear and ensure that temporary obstructions are well-marked and easy to navigate around.
How To Prove Negligence In Slip And Fall Cases
To successfully claim compensation for a slip and fall accident, it is crucial to prove that the property owner or manager was negligent. Here are the key elements needed to establish negligence:
1. Duty Of Care
- The first step is to demonstrate that the property owner owed you a duty of care. This means showing that the owner was responsible for maintaining a safe environment. For example, store owners have a duty to keep their premises safe for customers, and landlords must ensure that rental properties are safe for tenants and visitors.
2. Breach Of Duty
- Next, you must show that the property owner breached their duty of care. This involves proving that the owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take appropriate action to fix it. Evidence such as maintenance records, witness statements, and photographs of the hazard can be crucial in establishing this breach.
3. Causation
- It is essential to prove that the property owner’s breach of duty directly caused your accident and injuries. Medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony can help establish this link between the hazardous condition and your injuries.
4. Damages
- Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered actual damages as a result of the accident. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Detailed documentation of your injuries and financial losses will be necessary to support your claim.
Conclusion
Slip and fall accidents can result from a variety of hazardous conditions, often due to negligence on the part of property owners or managers. Understanding the common causes of these accidents and knowing how to prove negligence is vital for victims seeking compensation. Working with a St. Paul slip and fall lawyer from Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. can significantly increase your chances of a successful claim, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your losses.