Slip and fall injuries often get a bad reputation for being frivolous. Many people wonder why businesses are often held accountable for these accidents, and they don’t understand why victims deserve compensation.
In this article, we will explore the legal implications of a slip and fall injury, explaining a business’s legal duty of care.
What Is Slip and Fall Injury Liability, and Why Is It Important to Businesses?
A slip and fall accident can happen to anyone, in any location. It occurs when someone trips or slips on a surface or object, resulting in an injury.
Slip and fall injuries can take many forms such as:
- Sprains
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- And worse
Businesses must take appropriate steps to reduce the risk of these incidents. They should routinely assess their space for hazardous conditions such as wet floors, debris, icy sidewalks, and foreign objects.
Failing to address safety hazards could result in legal action against a business. Companies must prioritize preventative strategies to protect customers and themselves.
Why Are Businesses Responsible for the Safety of Their Customers?
Businesses have an important obligation to their customers: providing a safe and secure shopping environment. In our system, having money is essentially equal to survival. A business space exists solely to take someone’s money for goods or services. Consumers are trading away a piece of their very livelihood when they spend money. Therefore, by law, businesses have the utmost “duty of care” for their customers, meaning they are responsible for customer safety. This is true even when someone is on the property only to browse.
Businesses should create a safe atmosphere in all aspects, so customers can transact business with confidence.
The Legal Definition of Negligence in Slip and Fall Cases
To win a slip and fall case against a business, you must prove that the owner or management was negligent. A business is considered negligent if it fails to act with reasonable care toward its customers.
Examples include:
- Poor lighting
- Failure to inspect premises
- Failure to repair known defects
- Failure to clean up hazardous substances
- Failure to provide sufficient warnings for hazards
If you can prove a business was negligent in providing care, and their actions directly led to your injuries, then a personal injury claim against that business is both fair and justified.
What to Do If You Fall at a Business
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially if the fall resulted in an injury.
- Take pictures of the scene, including the hazardous area. Take pictures of visible injuries
- Report the incident to store employees, management, and (if applicable) the corporate office.
- Try to find any witnesses to the event, and get their names and contact information.
- Document the incident. Include:
- A detailed, firsthand
- Relevant medical records
- Financial records of all related expenses
Tips for Business Owners on Reducing the Risk of Slip and Fall Accidents
- Investing in non-slip floor materials
- Keep floors clean and free of debris
- Place caution signs when necessary
- Ensure ample lighting in areas with slippery floors
- When setting up store displays, pay special attention to safety guidelines
Samra Dhillon & Associates is here to represent you in a slip and fall case. We know that this accident was not your fault, and we want to help you recover your financial loss. For a free consultation, you can call us at (916) 571-1550 or contact us online.
