Falls are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, and the third leading cause of death among accidents overall, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Thousands of people are injured each year when they falls on a wet floor, torn carpeting, badly damaged sidewalks, or accumulated snow and ice. Defective stairs and poor lighting also contribute to many serious accidents.
If a person slips or falls on property (or “premises”) owned or maintained by another person, the owner may be legally responsible. “Slip and fall” is the term used to describe these types of personal injury cases, which generally fall under the broader category of “premise liability” claims. Slip and fall accidents may occur in residential settings as well as in the workplace. In fact, slip and fall accidents are notably more common in industrial settings—such as warehouses or factories—as well as retail settings. Injuries that occur in the workplace may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Property owners are legally responsible for the injuries you sustain from slipping or falling if one of the following is true:
- The owner of the premise or an employee caused the dangerous surface.
- The owner of the premise or an employee knew about the dangerous surface and did nothing about it.
- A “reasonable” person taking care of the property would of known about the dangerous surface and would have taken the appropriate action to make it safe.
With that said, every case is unique and there are a number of factors that must be considered.
Consider this: If you slip and fall on a paint can in a warehouse, one of the first questions a personal injury lawyer will ask is whether or not the object had a legitimate reason for being there at the time if your accident. They will also ask how long the can had been present before the accident and how frequently the owner inspects their premises for potential hazards. You may not be eligible for compensation if a “reasonable” person would have known that the warehouse was painted the night before; however, it would not be reasonable if the can had been left out for over a year and the owner had no immediate plans to paint the facility.
TOMAS J. TATARUNAS, PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER
Slip and fall cases are notoriously complex. You need a personal injury lawyer with both the keenness and the tenacity needed to win your case. Tomas J. Tatarunas is that lawyer.
Tomas J. Tatarunas is an experienced personal injury lawyer who has helped hundreds of victims throughout Greater Cleveland get the justice they deserve. He will build the strongest argument possible and ensure that you get a fair settlement. He will protect you from aggressive insurance companies, negotiate to lower your medical bills, and write a letter of protection to medical providers so you don’t have to pay your medical bills out of pocket while your case is pending.
If you have a claim, contact Tomas J. Tatarunas as soon as possible. Statutes of limitations limit the time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. Have one of Cleveland’s most capable personal injury lawyers at your side. Contact Tomas J. Tatarunas at 440-290-5570.