A slip and fall is a specific type of personal injury claim that involves falling and getting injured on someone else’s property. This can be a commercial property, such as a grocery store, or a residential property. In either case, you may need to file a claim to recover the damages. If you were injured, here’s what you need to know. 

What Is a Slip & Fall Personal Injury Claim?

If a person falls at work and gets injured, the victim’s medical care expenses will likely be covered in a workers’ compensation claim. However, if you slip and fall while shopping in a grocery store, the accident may have been caused by the property owner’s negligence, making them liable for your injuries.

How Is Liability Established? 

There are three steps to prove that the owner of the property should be held liable for the injuries. First, you need to show that the property owner caused the hazard that contributed to your fall. Whether it was a spill of some kind or physical damage to the walking surface, you must demonstrate that the owner’s actions created the hazard.

Next, you’ll be required to show that the owner knew there was a slip and fall hazard on the premises and didn’t take any precautions. This doesn’t necessarily mean they had to repair the hazard. They can limit access to that area, post warning signs, or take other actions to keep people from putting themselves in danger.

Finally, you will need to prove that a reasonable person would have been aware of the hazard. This is an option that addresses cases in which the property owner had knowledge of the slip and fall danger. If a reasonable person would have noticed a hole in the floor, for example, it can be assumed the property owner should have known about the hazard. Again, the owner will be liable if they didn’t take the necessary steps to protect others. 

When you need a reliable personal injury attorney to pursue a claim, contact Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, P.C. They have been practicing for more than 75 years collectively, so they have the experience to help each client navigate the claims process in Lake St Louis, MO. To schedule an initial consultation, visit them online or call (636) 561-5599.