Slip and fall accidents are very common. Some, while frightening at the moment, don't result in injury at all. Others may result in minor injuries such as bruises or scrapes. However, some slip and fall accidents result in severe or fatal injuries.
When a slip and fall accident results in minor injury, you may be best off filing a claim with your insurance provider or the property owner's insurance provider. However, this may not be the best option when a slip and fall accident results in serious injury. In these cases, having a qualified attorney on your side is the best way to protect your rights.
Liability in Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners and managers are responsible for keeping their premises safe for customers, passersby, and others legally using the property. When poor maintenance, oversight, or negligence causes a slip and fall accident, the owner or manager of the property can be held liable.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet or icy walkways
- Uncleaned spills
- Poor lighting
- Inadequate maintenance
- Tripping hazards
If you have sustained an injury after slipping and falling on someone else's property, an investigation into your accident will help determine if you have cause to file suit.
Damages
Damages that may be sought in a slip and fall claim include the cost of:
- Emergency and sustained medical expenses
- Rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy
- Wages lost during recovery
- Future wages lost due to new physical limitations
Personal injury claims may also seek damages for non-financial issues such as physical pain, emotional turmoil, and the suffering that can accompany forced changes to your lifestyle. Talking to an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer can help you determine which damages you may be able to seek.
Do You Need Help?
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in Chattanooga or a nearby area of Tennessee, please call Herbert Thornbury, Attorney at Law at 423-265-1100. With nearly five decades of experience, Attorney Thornbury knows how to identify negligence and build cases that help victims get justice.
