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Slip and Fall Accidents
When you head out to do a bit of grocery shopping, visit local stores, or enjoy a meal in your favorite restaurant, the last thing you expect is to be injured in the process. Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents are some of the most common and most dangerous accidents, and the recovery process can be exceptionally challenging. If you slip, fall, and suffer an injury as a result of a commercial property owner’s negligence, look to an experienced Anderson slip and fall accident attorney for the skilled legal guidance you need.
The Property Owner’s Responsibility to Your Safety
Commercial property owners accept a significant responsibility toward the safety of their guests, customers, clients, and visitors. This is known as having a duty of care, and when it comes to premises liability claims, such as slip and fall accidents, it means employing the same level of care that other reasonable property owners and managers employ under similar circumstances. When they fail to do so, they can be held responsible for any resulting losses.
The Elements of Your Slip and Fall Claim
To bring a successful slip and fall claim, all the following elements must be present:
- You were on the premises as an invited guest, which is true in nearly every instance other than trespassing, and as such, the property owner or manager owed you a duty of care.
- The property owner or manager failed to live up to that duty of care.
- This failure on the part of the property owner or manager was the direct cause of your slip and fall accident.
- You suffered legal damages – or losses that the law addresses – as a result.
Your Losses
The losses common to slip and fall accidents include all the following:
- Medical bills that are likely to be extensive and may be ongoing
- Lost income that may include losses related to your career and earning power
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering, which can amplify other categories of loss
Injuries Common to Slip and Fall Accidents
The impact that results from slipping and falling can be immense and can lead to injuries like the following:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
While every slip and fall accident claim has its own set of unique circumstances, some of the most common causes include all the following:
- Poorly maintained outdoor walkways
- Outdoor walkways made slippery by debris like fallen leaves that become slippery
- Inadequate lighting
- Uneven or otherwise dangerous transitions from indoors to outdoors or from one area to another
- Poorly maintained, designed, or constructed stairways
- Crowded or cluttered walkways or aisles
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