Slipping and getting hurt in a business can feel embarrassing. It can also feel incredibly painful. Some people walk away with a few bruises, but others might sustain broken bones or brain injuries. They may have medical expenses and even weeks of lost wages to consider.
Those injured in slip-and-falls may hope to hold a business accountable for their injuries and financial losses. When is it possible to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit after a slip-and-fall at a business?
When negligence caused the dangerous conditions
Slip-and-fall incidents may lead to premises liability claims. The injured person typically needs to show that negligence on the part of the business, rather than mistakes on their part, was what caused them to slip, fall and sustain injuries.
Damaged flooring, leaks from roofs and spills left ignored by workers can all constitute negligence. They are examples of safety concerns that most people could readily recognize.
When there are verifiable financial losses
Slip-and-falls can lead to very serious injuries that generate tens of thousands of dollars in losses. Economic losses are a requirement for a premises liability lawsuit. The people seeking to hold the company accountable must have documentation of medical expenses, lost wages and property damage to request compensation.
Typically, the business does not pay that claim directly. Most businesses carry premises liability insurance because other people could end up hurt when visiting the property. Even so, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit to secure adequate compensation from a commercial insurance policy.
Taking pictures or recording video of the unsafe property conditions, reporting the incident to management before leaving and seeing a doctor promptly are all steps for documenting the negligence of the business and the impact it had on an individual. Working with a lawyer may also be necessary, as negotiating with insurance providers or filing a civil lawsuit can be prohibitively difficult for those recovering from serious injuries.
Discussing a slip-and-fall with a personal injury attorney can help people understand if they are in a position to hold a business accountable. An insurance claim or a lawsuit can help diminish the financial impact generated by negligent facility maintenance.