When You Are Liable Whether a business or private residence, you can be held liable if someone slips or trips and falls on your property and suffers an injury. But, there are conditions that must be met in order for the definitions of “slip and fall”, and “hazardous condition” to exist in order to have a legitimate lawsuit. A hazardous condition could include: Wet floors: snow, rain or even freshly mopped floors can become a slip hazard. While all these may not be immediately recognized, if the property owner is aware of, or should reasonably be aware of the problem (such as a puddle by the door forms at every rain), and someone slips and is injured, they can be liable. Poor upkeep: a cracked floor, torn carpet, or worn step could all become trip hazards and if not addressed, could hold you liable for a trip and fall. If equipment that a person uses isn’t in working order and they use it and have an injury, that too could be your responsibility. Bad design: lacking handrails, camouflaged steps or platforms, poor placement of electrical cords and bad lighting can all contribute to a fall. If a reasonable person can’t maneuver through the space safely, it is recommended you take steps to improve the area to reduce or prevent the chance of a fall and your liability for the injuries. Defining a Slip and Fall Slip or trip and fall injuries happen when, as a result of negligence on behalf of the owner of the property, a hazardous condition existed leading to the injury of a reasonable person. In the eyes of the law in regards to these cases, both the property owner and the injured person have responsibilities – the owner to not be negligent and the injured person to have taken appropriate care to not become injured. Because both parties play a role in the responsibility of the accident, it is important to speak to a personal injury lawyer to determine your rights as the property owner. Be proactive if someone has hurt themselves on your property and contact a lawyer right away. With over 29 years of experience, the Simon Law Group will provide a free and confidential consultation when you call 480-745-2450. Remember, Experience Matters!!!]]>
