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Slip and Falls

Trusted Slip and Fall Lawyers with Premises Liability Expertise

What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?

A slip and fall accident happens when someone falls and gets injured on someone else’s property due to a dangerous condition that the property owner or manager should have taken reasonable steps to prevent. 

These incidents are a common type of personal injury claim under the broader category of premises liability.

Each year, over one million hospital emergency room visits are due to a slip and fall accident, according to the National Floor Safety Institute.

Injured in a slip and fall accident? Contact Tidwell Strimban Injury Lawyers at (678) 999-8500 for a free consultation to learn more about your options.

Key Elements of a Slip and Fall Accident

Here is a breakdown of what constitutes a slip and fall accident.

  • The Fall: The person must have actually fallen.
  • The Injury: The fall must have resulted in some form of injury, even if minor.
  • Dangerous Condition: The fall must have been caused by a hazardous condition on the property. This could include:
    • Wet or slippery floors (from spills, cleaning, weather).
    • Uneven surfaces (cracked sidewalks, potholes, loose flooring).
    • Poor lighting
    • Loose rugs or mats.
    • Clutter or obstructions.
    • Missing handrails on stairs.
    • Ice or snow.
  • Negligence (in most cases): Generally, to hold the property owner liable, it needs to be shown that they were negligent in maintaining a safe environment. This often involves demonstrating that:
    • The owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition.
    • The owner failed to take reasonable steps to fix the hazard or warn others about it.
    • The dangerous condition directly caused the fall and the resulting injuries.
Caution sign next to a person mopping a floor

Examples of Slip and Fall Accidents

The following occurrences may constitute a slip and fall accident in the right circumstances.

  • Slipping on a wet floor in a grocery store that wasn’t marked with a “wet floor” sign.
  • Tripping over a torn or bunched-up carpet in a hotel hallway.
  • Falling on an icy sidewalk outside a business that wasn’t properly cleared or salted.
  • Stepping into a pothole in a poorly maintained parking lot.
  • Falling down stairs due to a missing or broken handrail.
  • Slipping on spilled liquid at a self-service drink station in a restaurant.

Important Considerations

Several important factors come into play when considering a slip and fall accident. The “open and obvious” doctrine in some areas might limit a property owner’s liability if the hazard was clearly visible, though exceptions can exist. 

Furthermore, the concept of comparative negligence could affect your potential compensation if you are found to have contributed to your fall. 

It’s also crucial to remember that slip and fall cases are governed by premises liability laws, which can differ depending on the specific location. 

Given these complexities and the potential impact on your rights, if you or someone you know has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Woodstock, Georgia, or the surrounding areas, reaching out to experienced legal professionals can provide valuable guidance. 

Contact Tidwell Strimban Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and understand your options.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

Following a slip and fall accident, your immediate priority should be your well-being; assess any injuries and seek medical attention promptly, even for seemingly minor issues, as some injuries may not be immediately obvious. 

If you are able, thoroughly document the scene by taking photos and videos of the hazardous condition, noting the date and time, and gathering contact information from any witnesses. 

It’s also important to report the incident to the property owner or manager and request a written incident report. 

When discussing the event, stick to the facts, avoid admitting fault or speculating on the cause, and refrain from giving recorded statements or signing documents without legal counsel. 

Meticulously keep records of all medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses, and be mindful of your social media activity. 

It is highly advisable to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney, such as the team at Tidwell Strimban Injury Lawyers in Woodstock, Georgia, to understand your rights and explore your legal options.

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