Slipping and falling in a business or store does not mean you can sue someone. Potential litigants must be injured and meet certain guidelines. If you fall, it’s always a good idea to let the manager take a report of the incident. Be sure the manager sends the report to the insurance company.
Why Did You Slip?
A Slip And Fall Accident Lawyer in Bellingham WA must be able to prove negligence. In other words, there must have been an “unsafe condition.” Further, it must be proven that the manager knew about the “unsafe condition” or should have known. It’s not uncommon for a person to slip and not know what they slipped on. However, one should find out the nature of the substance before leaving the store. It will be difficult to win a case without that information.
Unreasonably Slippery
Another major issue is whether the floor was unreasonably slippery. Likewise, a Slip And Fall Accident Lawyer in Bellingham WA must prove how long the floor was slippery. The law takes into consideration that floors get slippery. Stores get around liability by proving the floors are inspected on a regular basis. They are required to keep an inspection log. This document will be introduced as evidence in a trial. A store cannot be responsible for what goes on every second. Another issue is whether there was a warning sign as to the dangerous condition. The law requires shoppers to be aware of where they are walking.
Who Is Liable?
Who is liable in slip and fall cases? The property owner is liable if the fall occured because of a defect like cracked flooring. The store owner is liable if employee negligence contributed to the incident. A victim is entitled to damages for medical bills (present and future.) Further, one must be compensated for lost wages and pain and suffering. The lawyer itemizes the individual damages and what they’re worth in a settlement demand. The insurance adjuster usually makes a counteroffer in an attempt to settle the case. Hopefully, the parties can reach an agreement. Courts are overloaded and it could be at least two years before the case comes to trial. Visit the Allen Law Firm for more information.
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