How to Prove Liability After a Slip or Fall

Among the most common types of personal injury claims, slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries that disrupt daily life. These accidents frequently occur in grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping malls

When recovering from a slip, trip, or fall, proving liability is essential for recovering compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and future expenses. You don’t have to go through the process alone, a Bucks County personal injury attorney has the skills and experience to assist you with evidence collection, insurance negotiation, and more.

Common Public Places Where Slip, Trips, and Falls Happen

Accidents can happen anywhere, but certain public places are particularly prone to falls, trips, and slips.

• Grocery stores. Wet floors from spills, loose mats, and cluttered aisles can create hazardous conditions that lead to slips and falls.
• Shopping centers. Slippery surfaces, uneven flooring, and poorly maintained escalators or stairways are culprits in shopping mall accidents.
• Spilled food or drinks, as well as poorly maintained floors, can lead to patrons getting hurt.
• Sidewalks and parking areas. Uneven pavement, potholes, and ice or snow in winter months contribute to many falls on sidewalks and in parking lots.
• Office buildings. Worn carpeting, loose tiles, or inadequate lighting can cause trips and falls in office environments.
• Apartment complexes. Stairs, hallways, and common areas in apartment complexes can become hazardous if not properly maintained.

In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain their premises in a safe condition. If they fail to do so and someone is injured as a result, they may be held liable for the accident.

Of course, property owners and managers tend to push back on the assertion that they will be held accountable. To fortify your claim, demonstrating negligence is key. As soon as you begin your working relationship with an attorney, they will start collecting documentation to support your claim. This includes photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, surveillance footage, and medical records documenting your injuries.

Proving Causation and Valuing Damages

It’s not enough to show that a hazard existed, there also needs to be proof that this hazard directly caused your injury. Your attorney will work to link the property owner’s negligence to the accident, demonstrating that your injuries were a direct result of their failure to maintain a safe environment.

A Bucks County personal injury attorney will also assess the full extent of your damages, to be sure a settlement covers all of your accident-related expenses. Lawyers are familiar with how insurance companies attempt to minimize payouts. With this in mind, they will use their skills to negotiate on your behalf, rejecting lowball offers and using the evidence they’ve gathered to show you have a right to a full and fair compensation package.

Do you want to learn more about your compensation options following a slip or fall accident? With the help of the dedicated attorneys at Kevin L. Hand, P.C., you can prove liability and secure the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on healing and moving forward. Call 215-968-6602 for a confidential consultation.