Who Might Be Liable for My Damages from a Slip and Fall?
Slip and fall accidents are responsible for more than a million emergency department visits every single year. From fractures and lacerations to brain damage and internal bleeding, devastating injuries are likely after a fall, even among those who trip at ground level.
Naturally, the damages that result from such accidents tend to add up fast. If you slipped and fell recently, for example, you might be facing mounting medical bills, not to mentions weeks—or even months—of lost wages.
As long as someone else was to blame for the accident, though, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. Let’s take a look at some of the most likely parties that could be responsible for your injuries:
1. The Property Owner or Occupier
Property owners must maintain their premises to a reasonably safe standard. If they rent out the space, however, they can shift as least some of this responsibility onto the tenant. Should either party fail to meet their obligations, those who end up getting hurt as a result can usually sue for damages.
2. The Property Manager
It’s not uncommon for real estate investors to defer the management of their properties to a third party. When this happens, the property manager then becomes responsible for maintaining the premises.
While property managers don’t have to cover the cost of necessary repairs themselves, they do have to inform owners of any hazards that arise right away and propose prompt solutions. Should they fail to address potentially dangerous conditions in a timely fashion, they could be deemed liable for injuries that result.
3. A Construction Contractor
If you slipped and fell because of a design flaw or structural defect, the builder may be to blame. Construction contractors can also be deemed responsible for accidents that occur while they’re actively working on a project. If they’re expanding a storefront, for example, but they fail to contain their tools or mark off the site adequately, they could be sued by employees or customers who end up tripping.
4. A Service Provider
When service providers—like cleaning companies and utility suppliers—are negligent, they can be found liable for any accidents that result. Even if they don’t own the premises, they’re responsible for keeping the area free of hazardous conditions while they work.
How Can I Prove Liability for My Slip and Fall?
Before you can recover compensation from any of the parties listed above, you’ll have to prove that they are, in fact, responsible for your injuries. You may be able to do so using:
- Surveillance footage of the accident;
- Photographs of the hazard in question;
- Standard operating procedures;
- Schematics and blueprints;
- Maintenance logs; and
- Eyewitness testimony.
Speak with a West Palm Beach Premises Liability Lawyer
If you’re recovering from serious injuries after slipping and falling on someone else’s property, turn to Donaldson & Weston for help taking action. Get the full force of our powerhouse practice backing your every move, so you can seek the maximum payout possible from the liable party. Call 561-299-3999 or complete our Contact Form to arrange a free initial consultation with a premises liability attorney in West Palm Beach.
