St. Charles Slip and Fall Lawyer
Many people in St. Charles are surprised to learn how serious slip and fall incidents often prove to be. Devastating injuries or even death have resulted from someone falling due to a dangerous condition. Less severe injuries often leave long term effects that impact the victim’s ability to work and produce chronic pain.
If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall accident caused by a hazardous condition on property owned by another, then you may be entitled to receive compensation to make up for your losses. It is a good idea to talk to a St. Charles slip and fall lawyer before answering questions from investigators and insurance companies.
What you say could be taken out of context and used against you to deny liability. A well-versed injury attorney who understands slip and fall cases could evaluate your situation, explain your options for recovery, and fight to help you receive fair compensation for the harm you have suffered.
When Could a Property Owner Be Held Liable for Damages?
Property owners are not automatically liable for everything that happens on their premises. To begin with, it is important to consider not only who owns the property, but who controls the condition of the property.
For instance, a company may own a shopping center, but the conditions inside one of the stores would be controlled by the person or business operating that store. A dedicated lawyer in St. Charles could investigate a slip and fall case to determine which parties may be held liable for a person’s injuries.
Which Dangerous Conditions Can Lead to Slip and Fall Accidents?
Many different situations can lead to a hazardous condition that causes someone to slip and fall. Some common incidents in St. Charles are caused by:
- Slippery floors due to spilled liquids or condensation
- Loose treads or railings on stairs
- Cracks in sidewalks or other walking surfaces
- Poorly lit hallways where hazards are hidden
- Torn carpet
- Potholes in parking lots
- Clutter
- Loose flooring
If the person or business managing the conditions on the property knows of a potentially dangerous condition, they should take steps to repair the problem or warn people about the hazard.
In some cases, the property manager has a duty to inspect periodically for dangers such as spills or defects. A slip and fall attorney in St. Charles could ascertain the length of time the condition existed and work to show that the manager knew or should have known of the danger.
Recoverable Compensation
Someone injured in a slip and fall case could be eligible to receive damages to offset different consequences of the incident. Compensation may be provided for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and other intangible factors.
A slip and fall victim could also receive money to cover medical bills and wages lost due to time missed from work. Amounts may be provided to cover future needs and expected losses as well.
Consult a Knowledgeable St. Charles Slip and Fall Attorney
Frequently, the severity of a slip and fall injury is not apparent until sometime after the incident when the adrenaline wears off. It is wise to act quickly to preserve the ability to recover.
Victims should receive a prompt and thorough medical evaluation, direct someone to take photos of the scene of the fall and look for witnesses with information about the incident or the conditions on the premises prior to the accident. A St. Charles slip and fall lawyer could help collect this evidence and build a claim to help the victim recover the full amount of compensation. If you suffered injuries in a slip and fall incident, call today to learn more about what may be possible in your case.