Falls are the second-leading cause of unintentional deaths around the world, behind only traffic accidents. Clearly, slip and fall accidents are not the minor events many people think they are. Even when an accident victim survives a fall, they will incur high medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. 

Property owners are expected to keep their premises in good and safe condition to prevent injury and death. If you have been hurt on someone else’s property because the owner failed to meet their duty, you can file a premises liability claim against them to obtain financial compensation. Our New Hampshire premises liability lawyer can help you recover the full settlement you rightfully deserve.

The Types of Slip and Fall Accidents

There are two types of slip and fall accidents. The first is same-level slip and fall accidents and these are the most common types that form the basis of personal injury lawsuits. Trips on broken sidewalks, slips on wet floors, and falls on broken steps are just a few types of these accidents. While the injuries sustained in a same-level slip and fall are usually less severe, they can still be very serious. For example, a person may slip on an icy sidewalk and fall back, hitting their head on the pavement as they do.

Elevated falls happen at a height. Some types of these falls include falling off a loading dock, off a ladder, or off scaffolding at a building site. Although less common, these accidents typically result in much more serious injuries. For example, a construction worker may fall from one level to another in an unfinished building. The injuries to the worker’s back and spine could be so severe that they are paralyzed for the rest of their lives.

Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Any hazardous condition located on a premises can result in a serious slip and fall accident. Still, there are some dangerous conditions that are more common than others. These include:

  • Wet and uneven walking surfaces, including loose mats, loose floorboards, potholes in parking lots, and cluttered floors
  • Poor weather conditions causing icy sidewalks, snow-covered walkways, and slippery surfaces caused by heavy rain
  • Obstructions on floors, such as electrical wires and stray cords
  • Poor lighting

Regardless of the cause of a slip and fall, these accidents cause injuries that are very painful and extremely costly to treat. Almost one-third of all non-fatal yet preventable injuries in 2018 were caused by falls, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Some of the most common injuries incurred in slip and fall accidents are traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and soft tissue injuries.

Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur?

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere from the workplace to the sidewalk, to a person’s private residence. Most commonly, slip and fall accidents happen on commercial properties. These properties include:

  • Restaurants
  • Grocery stores
  • Amusement parks
  • Shopping centers
  • Elevators and escalators
  • Parking garages
  • Swimming pools
  • Nursing homes
  • Stadiums

Proving Liability in Slip and Fall Cases

It is very difficult to prove liability or fault in slip and fall cases. For a property owner to be legally responsible for your injuries and losses after an accident, you must show one of the following occurred:

  • The owner of the property, or someone employed by the property owner, caused the hazardous condition that resulted in a dangerous fall,
  • The owner of the property, or someone employed by the property owner, knew about the hazardous condition and did not try to correct it, or
  • The owner of a property, or someone employed by the property owner, should have known of the hazardous condition if a reasonable person would have known about the danger and corrected it in a proper manner.

Because so many slip-and-fall cases rely on the “reasonable person” guideline, it is very difficult to prove fault in these cases. A New Hampshire premises liability/slip-and-fall lawyer can build a strong case and make arguments about what a reasonable person should have known.

Other Types of Premises Liability Cases

Slip and falls are one way in which a person can become injured on another person’s property. Other types of premises liability cases include:

  • Defective conditions on a property
  • Inadequate maintenance of a premises
  • Dog bites
  • Swimming pool accidents
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Fires
  • Flood
  • Toxic chemicals

Who Is Liable in a Premises Liability Case?

In a slip and fall case, the property owner is typically held liable for any injuries sustained by individuals on their premises. However, there are instances where other parties may also be held accountable, such as:

  • A tenant or occupier of the property who caused the hazardous condition
  • A maintenance crew responsible for keeping the premises safe
  • A government entity that failed to properly maintain public property

It’s important to note that every premises liability case is unique and determining liability will depend on the specific circumstances of each case. This is why it’s crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced premises liability lawyer who can navigate the complexities of these types of cases and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Building a Strong Premises Liability Case

To build a strong premises liability case, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible to prove the property owner’s negligence. This evidence may include:

  • Photos of the hazardous condition that caused your accident
  • Witness statements from anyone who saw your accident occur
  • Medical records and bills related to your injuries
  • Proof of lost wages or income due to your injury

A skilled New Hampshire premises liability/slip-and-fall lawyer can also help you gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf. They will understand the laws surrounding premises liability and know how to negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Our New Hampshire Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help

If you have been hurt on someone else’s property in any manner, our New Hampshire premises liability law firm can help you build a strong case against the negligent party. Whether your injury occurred at work, in a public place or on someone else’s property, an experienced premises liability attorney at Sabbeth Law can investigate your case and help you determine the most appropriate course of legal action.

We will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gather evidence, and consult with experts to determine liability. We will then negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that covers all your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Don’t let an accident on someone else’s property ruin your life. Contact our New Hampshire premises liability attorneys today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you obtain the financial compensation you rightfully deserve.