Slip And Fall Lawsuits At Department Stores: Can I Sue?

Say you slip and fall in a department store. Do you have a valid slip and fall lawsuit? Should you contact a slip and fall lawyer? Thousands of people slip and fall every year, but not everyone has a winning case.

In a slip and fall lawsuit, both property owner and victim can be held to varying degrees of responsibility, also referred to as "comparative fault." It's based on the store owner's obligation to maintain a safe environment on the property. The victim has a duty to practice reasonable discretion in their time on the premises. A personal injury lawyer can best sort out the details.

There are times when the property owner is completely responsible, and a slip and fall lawsuit is valid.

An slip and fall lawyer will tell you that a property owner is responsible for an injury if it occurs as a result of hazardous conditions. For you to have a case, one of the following must be true. If so, contact a personal injury lawyer immediately:

1. The owner or an employee must have been responsible for a dangerous surface to be exposed to a slip and fall lawsuit, whether it's a spill or slippery surface, torn carpet, or other dangerous surface. It could also include hazardous objects.

2. The owner or an employee of the establishment must have known of the dangerous surface or objects, but neglected to do anything about it.

3. The owner or an employee of the establishment may have not known about the dangerous situation, but should have known that a surface was hazardous. A "reasonable" person in charge of the property would have discovered and remedied the dangerous situation. A slip and fall lawyer can explain the details, but the law defines a reasonable person by the frequency and thoroughness by which the property owner keeps the premises clear of potentially hazardous scenarios.

There are several criteria to consider to see if you have a legitimate slip and fall lawsuit:

1. Was the danger present reasonably long enough to be considered negligent. If so, a slip and fall lawsuit is possible and you should contact a personal injury lawyer.

2. Is there a procedure in place that the owner uses to maintain a safe environment? If not, a slip and fall lawyer may be in order.

3. Is there a legitimate reason for the object being where you were injured? If there was once a legitimate reason, could it have been removed or rendered harmless?

4. Was there a safer place that the object could have been located to prevent the accident, but could still serve its purpose? If so, you may want to contact a personal injury lawyer.

5. Did the business owner neglect to post a warning about the danger, exposing themselves to a slip and fall lawsuit?

6. Was the area poorly lit, which contributed to the injury?

If you answered in your favor to any of the above questions, you may have a legitimate slip and fall lawsuit on your hands, and you should consider contacting a personal injury lawyer. But an accident lawyer will recommend that you consider possible carelessness on your part that may have led to your slip and fall. The criteria is relatively straight forward and common sense:

1. Did you have a legitimate reason for being there when the accident happened?

2. Would a careful person not have been injured?

3. Were there clear warnings that you neglected?

4. Were you acting erratically?

If you answer against your favor in these questions, it may hinder your slip and fall lawsuit. But don’t draw conclusions on your own. If you feel after reading this article that you may still have a case, we can help you find a personal injury lawyer. A seasoned slip and fall lawyer can best evaluate the validity of your case, and your chances for winning your case.