Many slip and fall accidents are caused by conditions that could have been prevented with proper care and maintenance. Property owners in Alabama are required by law to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition.
When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result of their negligence.
Despite the dangers, many people are unaware of their rights when they suffer a slip and fall.
They may not realize that the accident was not just a stroke of bad luck but a preventable incident caused by someone else’s negligence.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, Hunter | Everage is here to help. We help victims of slip and falls, to navigate the complexities of their claims, ensuring their rights are protected under Alabama law.
Hazardous Conditions That Lead to Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall causes are varied. These accidents may occur due to hazardous conditions that go unnoticed or risks that are not adequately addressed. Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet and Uneven Surfaces: Spills, slick floors without proper signage, and uneven sidewalks are frequent culprits.
- Cluttered Floors: Obstacles that are not visible can easily become tripping hazards.
- Poor Lighting: Insufficient lighting makes it difficult to spot potential dangers, increasing the risk of a fall.
- Weather Conditions: Ice, snow, and rain can make outdoor surfaces treacherous. Although Alabama experiences milder winters, occasional icy conditions can still lead to accidents.
- Lack of Handrails and Barriers: Stairways and elevated areas without proper support can increase the risk of falls.
Property Owner Responsibilities Under Alabama Law
In Alabama, property owners have a responsibility to ensure their premises are safe for everyone who steps foot on their property.
This duty includes routinely inspecting the property for any potential hazards and fixing any issues that could pose a risk to visitors.
Also, property owners must make sure that all safety measures, like adequate lighting and secure handrails, are in place and maintained. If a property owner fails to uphold these responsibilities and someone is injured as a result, the owner can be held legally accountable for their negligence.
If it can be shown that a property owner ignored a problem or delayed addressing it, they could be found negligent. However, if a hazard pops up suddenly and an accident occurs before the owner can reasonably address it, the situation can be different.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Alabama
Even if you feel fine, some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately apparent. Seeing a doctor will ensure you get the care you need and provide medical records that serve as evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
Inform the property owner, manager, or supervisor where the fall occurred. The accident must be officially recorded. Ask for a copy of the accident report if possible, as it can serve as important evidence later on.
If you’re able, take photographs or videos of the exact location where you fell, and make sure to capture any conditions that contributed to the accident, such as icy patches, uneven flooring, or lack of signage.
If anyone saw what happened, ask for their names and contact information. Witness statements can support your version of events and provide additional details that you may not have noticed.
Document your injuries and any medical care you receive. Keep a journal detailing your physical symptoms, any emotional distress, and how the injury impacts your daily activities.
Before making any decisions about compensation or discussing the accident with insurance companies, contact a slip-and-fall accident lawyer. They can provide guidance and help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Common Injuries Resulting from Slip and Fall Accidents
The nature and severity of these injuries can vary widely depending on the circumstances of the fall. Here’s a look at some common injuries that can occur from slip and fall accidents:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: These injuries are particularly common in older adults, whose bones may be more brittle.
- Head Injuries: These injuries can occur even without direct impact, as the brain may shake inside the skull due to the force of the fall.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A fall can damage the spinal cord, leading to temporary or permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of the injury.
- Sprains and Strains: During a fall, people twist or land awkwardly, which can lead to spraining or straining various parts of the body.
- Cuts and Abrasions: These may not be as severe as other injuries but can still be painful and require medical treatment, especially if there is a risk of infection.
How to Prove Negligence in a Slip and Fall Case
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to show to establish negligence in complex slip-and-fall cases:
1. Establish the Duty of Care
You must demonstrate that the property owner had a duty of care towards you, meaning that they were responsible for maintaining a safe environment on their property. This involves showing that you were lawfully on the property and that the owner had an obligation to ensure your safety while you were there.
2. Identify the Breach of Duty
The next step is to prove that the property owner breached this duty. This involves showing that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn about it adequately.
3. Link the Breach to Your Accident
Proving that the breach of duty directly caused your accident means connecting the dangerous condition on the property to your slip and fall. It’s not enough to simply show that a hazardous condition existed; you must demonstrate that this specific condition caused your injury.
4. Show the Damages Resulting from the Accident
Finally, you need to prove that you suffered damages as a result of the fall. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses that occurred due to the injury. Medical records, receipts, and employment documents can all support your claim.
Contact an Experienced Montgomery Slip and Fall Lawyer
Property owners in Alabama have a legal obligation to maintain safe environments for all visitors. When they fail to meet these responsibilities, and their negligence leads to an accident, they can be held accountable.
At Hunter | Everage, we help our clients get compensation for their damages. Our slip-and-fall lawyers will provide support and expert legal counsel. Contact our slip-and-fall lawyers at 704-377-9157 for a free consultation.