For those who have endured a slip-and-fall accident, it is important to determine whether or not any compensation is due. For many slip-and-fall cases, compensation for the injury can be gained by filing a personal injury case. But the question is then, what qualifies as an injury to be part of a slip-and-fall accident? Typically, slip-and-fall accidents are categorized into three categories:
- Slip-and-Fall: Someone falls due to slippery liquid or some type of object in their walking path.
- Trip-and-Fall: The person trips over an object or uneven surface.
- Step-and-Fall: The person falls due to an extremely uneven surface in the walking path.
Qualifiers for Compensation
Do all slip-and-fall injuries qualify for compensation? Although these three categories seem fairly straightforward, there are some parameters around how the slip-and-fall law is applied. Just because you slip-and-fall on your cousin’s sidewalk doesn’t mean he is going to be held responsible. In order for your cousin to be deemed responsible for your injury, you must prove that your cousin didn’t do anything to prevent your injury from happening.
For instance, if you slip-and-fall over a rope that is hidden by tall grass and is in the pathway leading up to the front door of your cousin’s house from the driveway, this would most likely qualify as a personal injury case. Your cousin should have informed you of the rope or taken appropriate measures to make sure no one tripped over it.
Do keep in mind, however, that if you did something that might have caused the injury to take place, such as showing up intoxicated to your cousin’s house, then a judge might use comparative negligence to determine who was at the most fault, either you or the property owner.
Understanding Compensation
There are several different types of compensation that can be provided in these kinds of cases. Some of them include:
- Lost wages
- Emotional Distress
- Medical Expenses
- Permanent Disability
- Additional Funds as Compensation
Getting the Most Out of Your Slip-and-Fall Case
Almost all slip-and-fall cases are quite complex, especially when large corporations are involved. But even though large corporations and wealthy property owners might have access to many resources, if you were to become injured on their properties, you may qualify for compensation by filing a slip-and-fall claim.
Contact Ginnis, Krathen, & Zelnick Law today to learn more about your rights in a slip-and-fall situation. Our experienced team of lawyers can let you know if you have a case, and whether or not you are owed compensation. We are here to ensure your rights are protected and you have the legal assistance you need.