It is not uncommon for us at The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker to get a call from a potential client who has slipped and fallen in a store or other business. They often believe that if they were injured on someone else’s property – particularly a business – someone else is responsible for their fall. This is not always the case. The truth is that a property owner does not have to ensure that everyone on their property is safe – but they do have to ensure that their property is safe.
This may sound like the same thing but it is very different. For example, a store does have a responsibility to put out a sign if there is a wet floor so that patrons can take care to keep themselves safe. However, the store does not have a responsibility to ensure that all patrons walk around the wet floor or have proper footwear on.
We can help with slip and fall accidents but is often the case that a person’s accident was just that – an accident – and cannot be blamed on anyone else. Even in the event that a person is the victim of a company’s negligence, many complications can arise. The good news is that all you have to do to find out if you have a case is contact us at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation. In the meantime, consider some of the potential complications that can arise in these cases.
Not knowing when the dangerous situation began
The store owner has a responsibility to repair or clean up any potential hazards within what the courts consider a “reasonable amount of time.” This means that if there is a slippery spill on the floor and the store owner does not find it and clean it up within four hours, they may be held accountable, but they would likely not be held accountable if someone slipped a few minutes after the spill before the owner had a chance to take action.
The unfortunate fact is that it is often difficult to prove when the dangerous situation started. Even if there is video evidence, you may not have access to it. If there is no proof either way of when the dangerous situation started, then it can be difficult to prove that the potential plaintiff had time to rectify it.
Not being sure of the specifics
Slips and falls often lead to head injuries and other serious injuries. As a result, the injured party may say, “I remember falling but I don’t remember what I fell on,” or something similar. In this case, even if they know where they fell and how they fell, if they do not remember what caused the fall or other particulars, it can be difficult or impossible to prove that the owner of the property was at fault.
These are just a few of the ways in which a person can find their slip and fall case complicated. Does this mean you should never pursue a case? No – but it does mean you need to work with a qualified attorney who will provide an honest assessment of your case. You can contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 now for a free legal consultation.
