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Slip and Fall Accident FAQs
Do you think you might have a slip and fall claim? The answers to these frequently asked questions can provide additional insight into your situation.
What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident?
If you become injured due to a fall, call 911 or seek medical attention right away. If possible, look around to see what made you slip. If you have access to your phone and are able to use it, take pictures or videos of the scene, especially the hazard that likely caused the incident.
Obtain the contact information from any witnesses. Try to determine who owns or manages the property and get their contact information. Finally, consider contacting an experienced slip and fall lawyer.
I was injured at the home of a friend or family member, but I don’t want to sue them. What should I do to have my costs covered?
Hopefully, your friend or family member carries a homeowners insurance policy that covers your medical expenses and other losses stemming from the incident. Ask for the insurance company’s contact information so you can file a claim. You should initiate the process yourself to avoid potential delays. If the property owner is uninsured, you may need to ask them to pay for your medical costs out of their pocket or request them to attend a mediation session to resolve the issue.
What if the accident happened on a rental property?
The landlord or property owner is often responsible for maintaining the common areas of a rental property, such as a walkway leading to the building. Determine if the owner carries insurance and file a claim as quickly as possible.
If you fall in a location that a tenant is responsible for, like the inside of an apartment, see if the individual has renters insurance that covers the incident. Depending on the situation, the landlord could also be liable.
My slip and fall injury was on public property. Can I still sue?
What happens if you slip and fall on a property owned by the government or another public entity? Generally, if the organization is negligent in its maintenance and upkeep, it can be deemed liable for the incident. However, you’ll need to follow strict rules when pursuing a legal remedy or filing a lawsuit, which will vary depending on the institution. You’ll also need to send notice within the designated time frame.
How long after an accident can you sue?
Each state has a statute of limitations that dictates how long an individual has to make a legal claim against another party in any personal injury situation, including slip and fall incidents. In Pennsylvania, the length of time is two years from the date of an accident occurring on private property and six months when sending a notice of an intent to sue to a state, county or city government entity.
How do I know if I have a case?
If you have suffered a slip and fall injury, your best recourse is to contact a personal injury lawyer with extensive experience in this area. Your attorney will examine the facts related to your situation and obtain any evidence or documentation that supports your case. The lawyer can also help you pursue the most viable legal avenues for obtaining slip and fall compensation, whether it’s settling with the insurance company or filing a lawsuit.
What is premises liability?
This legal concept often applies to personal injury cases like slip and fall situations where an unsafe condition caused an accident. To win a premises liability lawsuit, the injured party must prove that the property owner was negligent and that the negligence contributed to the incident.
If someone is injured on your property, are you liable?
Just as you can sue another party for causing a slip and fall accident, the same can happen to you. You may need a slip and fall attorney who can defend you in these situations. You should also carry a sufficient amount of property insurance with liability coverage to protect your assets if the outcome goes against you.
How long does a slip and fall case take?
The length of these cases varies depending on multiple factors. For instance, if your slip and fall lawyer pursues a settlement, it may take several weeks or months to resolve the issue. If you decide to file a lawsuit, it will likely take longer to see a result, especially if the case goes to trial. Contacting an attorney as quickly as possible is essential to expedite the process.
