Law Library Articles
Top 10 Slip and Fall Articles in the LegalMatch Law Library
The world is a dangerous place. At any moment, you might take one false step that lands you in a hospital bed with a broken arm, ankle, collar bone, tail bone, etc. Name your favorite appendage: someone has probably broken it in a slip and fall accident.
Most slip and fall injuries are simply the result of clumsiness. For better or worse, no one has figured out how to obtain legal remedies for a lawsuit based on the claim, “I’m Clumsy.” However, there are instances where slip and fall injuries are due not to your own clumsiness, but to the negligence of another. When negligence is involved, legal remedies may be available to the injured party.
Here are the Top 10 LegalMatch Law Library articles covering the most important legal aspects of slip and fall accidents.
1. Trip and Fall Lawsuits: An Overview
A trip and fall case happens when you are injured by a hazard on someone else’s property. This is different from slipping on a wet surface. You might trip over a broken sidewalk or a foreign object left in a walkway. Read this article to learn more about your rights in such cases.
2. Defenses Against Liability for Slip and Fall Injuries
A property owner can use several defenses against a slip and fall claim. They can argue they took proper steps to keep the property safe and did not breach their duty. The owner might also show the hazard was not their fault or that the injured person’s carelessness contributed to the fall.
3. What to Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall Injury
There are important steps to take right after a fall to protect your rights. You should report the accident to the property owner or a manager and ask for a written report. It is also wise to take photos of the exact location and your injuries, and get the names of any witnesses. Learn about the necessary steps you need to take after such an injury.
4. City Liability for Snow or Ice on a Sidewalk
A city may be liable if you are injured due to snow or ice on a public sidewalk. You must prove the city was negligent in its duty to keep the walkway safe. However, the city is not usually responsible for sidewalks on private property.
5. Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are a common type of personal injury claim. These cases involve proving that a property owner was negligent in maintaining their property. This negligence must have caused the injury that led to damages.
6. Trip and Fall Hazards
A trip and fall occurs when an object or uneven surface causes someone to fall. Common hazards include things like potholes and damaged flooring. A property owner who fails to fix such a hazard may be liable for any injuries that result.
7. Step and Fall vs. Slip and Fall Lawsuit
Different types of falls have specific names in law. A “slip and fall” involves a slippery surface, while a “step and fall” occurs when you step into a hole or onto an unexpected object. Both can lead to a premises liability claim against a property owner if negligence is involved.
8. Defective Sidewalk Conditions
A defective sidewalk can cause serious trip and fall injuries. A city or a private property owner can be held responsible for these accidents. If you are injured, you may be able to sue for your medical bills and other damages.
9. Ultimate Guide to Slip and Fall Lawsuits
A slip and fall lawsuit is based on the idea of premises liability. To win, you must prove the property owner was negligent. The amount of care a property owner must show depends on whether the visitor was an invitee or licensee.
10. Store or Office Liability for Falls Due to Improper Lighting of Stairways
Property owners have a duty to keep stairways properly lit. If poor lighting causes a fall, the owner may be liable for the injuries. The level of care required depends on the status of the person who was injured.
