Who’s at Fault for a Slip-and-Fall Accident?

One moment, you’re going about your daily tasks, getting groceries and running errands. The next, you’ve slipped, you’ve hit your head, and you’re going to the hospital. You’re hurt, and you need help recovering from those injuries. But who’s responsible for your injuries?

You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for your accident, but many injury victims have trouble getting compensated following their severe injuries. Here’s the good news—a dedicated Rockford personal injury lawyer from Mahoney & Mahoney, LLC can help. Reach out for answers about fault and your slip-and-fall accident.

Property Owners May Be At Fault

When you’re hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, it may be tempting to blame the clerk or other people on the premises at the time of your injuries. They’re responsible for keeping the floors clean and the property safe, right? but they may not be the responsible party.

That responsibility typically falls on the property owner. Property owners are responsible for ensuring it is safe for any visitors to the property. If they fail to keep that property safe, they may be financially liable for the accident.

Of course, that doesn’t mean they may not try to place the blame on you. For example, they may claim you were looking at your phone or were hurrying through the store, not looking where you were going to avoid the slip-and-fall accident. If they successfully argue this, their actions may reduce the compensation they must pay.

Because of this, it’s vital to act now with a lawyer. They can identify the culpable party and prove you weren’t at fault for the suffering you endured.

Compensation for Slip-and-Fall Injuries

When you’re hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, you need compensation for those injuries. But you may not know what compensation you’re due and what steps you’ll need to take to win it. Economic and non-economic damages are awarded to compensate the victim for all ways their life has been negatively affected by the accident.

For example, economic damages cover the financial aspects of your accident. You may have suffered a concussion, had to take time off work, and smashed your expensive smartphone. All these expenses, among others, should be included in the value of your economic damages. 

Your non-economic damages should also be covered, but they may be more complex because they’re intangible in nature. These damages cover the pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other mental and emotional suffering you experienced. While you may not be as emotionally traumatized in a fall, you may have serious pain because of your injuries. Talk to your lawyer about identifying your claim’s value.

Call a Lawyer to Identify the At-Fault Party

No one directly harmed you in your slip-and-fall accident, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have options to sue. Someone may be responsible for the injuries you’ve suffered, and your lawyer can help you determine them. 

When you’re ready to file a claim, your lawyer at Mahoney & Mahoney, LLC is here to help. Start with a free consultation, and our lawyers can discuss your claim and what we can do to help. Reach out by calling 815-656-4600 or by completing the online contact form below.