As a general rule, property owners have an obligation to provide a safe environment for anyone with a right to be there. If you slip and fall on an unshoveled walkway, wet tiles, or broken concrete, a personal injury claim may allow you to collect compensation for your losses. However, proving that the property owner is legally liable for your injuries is often complex and may require the expertise of a skilled personal injury attorney.

Proving Liability for Slip-&-Fall Injuries

The Responsibilities of the Victim

While the law does hold property owners to a fairly high standard, it also assumes that everyone should be aware of their surroundings and take steps to protect themselves. For instance, you likely won’t be able to pursue damage if you tripped on an object that a reasonable person would have expected, like a rake in someone’s yard, which has a legitimate reason for being there.

When Property Owners Are Liable

To successfully pursue damages, you have to show either that the property owner knew about the unsafe conditions, should have known about them, or actually caused them. For instance, if a floor drain only clogged the night before the accident, the property owner can reasonably claim they weren’t aware of the threat or hadn’t had enough time to repair it. However, if the drain had been clogged for months, victims may have grounds for a personal injury claim.

Sometimes, not knowing about the dangerous conditions can be considered its own form of negligence. For example, if the owners of a small apartment building aren’t aware of a broken stair, it likely means they aren’t conducting regular safety and cleanliness inspections.

Hiring an Attorney

Personal injury law is complex, so anyone injured due to someone else’s negligence should speak with an attorney before filing a claim. Your injury lawyer will be able to calculate your actual losses, answer your questions, and evaluate what evidence they’ll need to build the strongest case possible.

If you or a loved one has suffered a slip-and-fall injury in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle, the legal team at Kratovil Law Offices, PLLC is ready to protect your rights and hold the liable parties responsible. Their accomplished attorneys have over 40 years of experience protecting the rights of accident victims and helping ensure they get the compensation they deserve. Visit their website for a comprehensive look at their legal services or call (304) 728-7718 to schedule a consultation with a local attorney today.