There are many reasons why people might slip and fall while at a store or other business. Perhaps another customer dropped a beverage or broken glass jar of salsa on the floor. People could slip and lose traction because of messes left on the floor. There might be tripping hazards present throughout the store, such as damaged flooring or unsecured power cords.
Slip-and-falls are sometimes just embarrassing. Other times, they can cause broken bones or even brain injuries. Those with significant injuries caused by a slip-and-fall may wonder if the business is liable for their injuries and property damage losses.
When does a business have to help cover costs from a slip-and-fall incident?
When negligence leads to an injury
Typically, legal action is possible after a slip-and-fall if the business could have prevented the situation. If a company’s negligence regarding facility maintenance or staffing practices resulted in someone falling, then injured visitors may have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit.
Proving negligence in court requires evidence that the average person could recognize how the business failed to keep customers safe. Negligence usually involves failing to do what is obviously necessary for safety or engaging in clearly unsafe conduct.
Employees having a water gun fight in a grocery store could create slip-and-fall hazards by leaving water on the floor and rushing around, startling visitors. Understaffing at a business can also be dangerous. Workers may not be able to respond to spills or keep the entranceway tidy when there aren’t enough people on hand to handle customer demands. Delayed maintenance of equipment or facilities can also create unnecessary slip-and-fall hazards.
An injured party usually needs some evidence of negligence, such as the proof that there weren’t enough workers on hand or that unsafe facility conditions led to their injury. They usually also need proof of financial losses, such as medical bills and lost wages that accumulated while they recovered from their injuries.
Reviewing the situation that led to a slip-and-fall injury at length can help people determine whether they may have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit. Visitors hurt at a business sometimes receive compensation through lawsuits, often paid out by the premises insurance policy covering the company.