Slip and fall accidents can be severe events. While some of these slip, trips, and falls just result in embarrassment and a bruise, there are many cases where a fall can lead to very serious injuries. The National Safety Council estimates that over 9 million emergency room visits per year are a result of slipping and falling.
When you fall due to the negligence of another party, you have the right to seek damages (compensation) for the losses you have incurred as a result of that event. It is essential to speak with an attorney after a slip and fall accident to determine if you have the right to seek compensation.
Different Conditions That Lead To Slip And Fall Accidents
Slip and fall events fall under the premises of liability laws. Under these laws, a person or entity has the responsibility to keep their property safe for other people to use. While this may seem like a broad law, it is pretty straightforward. If someone is coming to your property to visit or conduct business, you must make sure that the property is safe for use and that any known problems are corrected.
Some of the different events that fall under premises liability laws include:
- Wet, slippery flooring
- Uneven pavement, potholes, large cracks in cement or asphalt
- Broken handrails
- Missing handrails
- Steps without anti-slip protection
- Stairways filled with debris, uneven steps or poor lighting
- Accumulation of ice, water or debris from wind storms
- Torn carpeting, holes in carpeting, loose carpeting
- Missing or broken floor tiles
- Cluttered or debris-filled walkways
- Exposed extension cords
Additional events could lead to a slip and fall accident. This list only contains the most common reasons associated with a slip and fall injury.
Preserve Evidence
In a premises liability case, it is the responsibility of the injured party to show that the premises was unsafe and that the owner or management should have been aware of the condition. The easiest way to do this is to preserve the evidence relating to your case in the form of pictures.
Take as many photographs as possible at the scene of the accident and your injury if possible. You will want to document the event by filling out the proper accident reports and by requesting information from any available witnesses. It is imperative to secure as much evidence as soon as possible because it is easy to assume the problem will be fixed by the property owner as soon as possible after the accident occurred.
Speak With A Michigan Slip and Fall Attorney
If you’ve sustained injuries from a slip and fall, speak with a Michigan slip and fall attorney as soon as possible after the event. Your attorney will carefully review the facts of the accident and help you build a solid case for compensation based on those facts. Consultations are free, and you will never have any up-front attorney fees.
The expert attorneys at Michigan Legal Center are dedicated to fighting on your behalf to help you receive the justice you deserve. We have over 20 years of experience helping victims of accidents and are eager to help you today. Call us at (800) 961-8477 for your free case evaluation.