Most of the time, people can get right back up after a minor fall. However, some falls result in severe injuries that can lead to lingering medical problems and emotional pain. If an injury makes it impossible for a person to return to work, they may also face financial troubles.
Fortunately, there is legal help available for those who were injured due to another person’s negligence. If you recently fell because of dangerous conditions on someone else’s property, a seasoned Roswell slip and fall lawyer could explain your options for pursuing financial recovery. Assistance from a skilled attorney could be key in bringing a successful lawsuit to cover the treatments you need for your recovery.
What is Involved in a Slip and Fall Claim?
Slip and falls are among the most common types of premises liability cases. A tripping accident gives rise to a civil claim when it occurs on somebody else's property as a result of the landowner's failure to maintain and upkeep their premises.
To make a successful a slip and fall case, an injured claimant and their attorney would first need to show that the owner was negligent in their duty to keep their Roswell property in a reasonably safe condition. Then, the claimant must demonstrate that this failure caused them to slip and fall.
Example of a Trip and Slip Claim Against a Landlord
For example, if an apartment has broken front steps that cause a tenant to trip, the landlord could be liable for their injuries under certain conditions. If the landlord had actual knowledge of the defective front steps and took no action to fix them, they may be held accountable for the slip and fall accident if the tenant suffered injuries and compensable losses.
Even if the landlord had no actual knowledge of the hazardous steps, a tenant could still bring a successful claim if a Georgia court deems that there was constructive notice. A court might consider a landlord to have constructive notice if the steps had been broken for a long time, such that a reasonable person would have discovered the problem during a routine property inspection. A knowledgeable slip and fall attorney could further explain how these types of claims work.
Injuries in Roswell Slip and Fall Accidents
Although most people can get up and walk away after slipping and falling, these accidents can also cause catastrophic injuries such as:
- Broken bones, especially in the hand and wrist from people putting out their hands to break their fall
- Cuts and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck and back injuries, including spinal damage and herniated discs
- Brain injuries and concussions
A traumatic fall may also lead to emotional challenges and cognitive difficulties if the victim suffered a brain injury. Some symptoms may not even appear immediately after a fall. For this reason, it is crucial to work with a local attorney who has extensive experience handling slip and fall cases. A skilled lawyer could review a claimant's medical records in order to pursue an adequate damages award.
Common Causes of Falls in Roswell
Tripping accidents can occur in both commercial and residential settings. They usually happen when the ground is uneven or slippery, or when there are unexpected items in the walkway. Common causes of slip and falls include:
- Wet or slippery floors inside due to water or spills
- Ice or snow outside
- Broken staircases, steps, or railings
- Obstructions, such as clutter or debris, in aisles or walkways
- Bunched up rugs
- Wires or cables on the floor
- Insufficient lighting
- Potholes in parking lots
An experienced attorney in the area could investigate slip and fall accident site for evidence that the property owner, landlord, or manager had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazardous condition that led to the victim’s injuries.
Call a Roswell Slip and Fall Attorney for Legal Support
If you suffered a serious injury due to a tripping accident that could have been prevented with proper maintenance, you should reach out to a skilled Roswell slip and fall lawyer. A compassionate and dedicated lawyer could evaluate your circumstances and advise you of your available legal options. Call today to schedule a consultation.