Everybody loses their footing and trips from time to time. Luckily, most falls do not result in serious harm. However, for the unfortunate people who do suffer a severe fall, their injuries can be life-altering.
After falling, you might face a challenging recovery. You might be in physical pain, and it could take you months or even years to feel better. Emotionally, you might face obstacles in your recovery that could cause feelings of anger, depression, or anxiety. You also might be worrying about how to pay your bills, especially if your injury keeps you away from work for a prolonged period.
If you fell on somebody else’s property, a Kent slip and fall lawyer might be able to help you collect financial damages for your losses. A skilled personal injury attorney could make sure you file your claim properly and help you build the strongest case possible.
How to be Successful in a Trip and Fall Claim
An injured claimant needs to prove that the person in charge of the property was somehow negligent. A claimant could prove that an owner was negligent if a dangerous condition on the premises caused the claimant to fall. If a landowner knows of a hazardous situation, such as a wet floor or cracked pavement, and timely removes that hazard or provides reasonable notice, they would not be deemed negligent.
Even if an owner was not aware of a hazard, they could be considered negligent if a reasonable owner would have discovered the risk by performing regular maintenance and upkeep. If someone suspects that they might have a legal claim for a slip and fall accident, they should meet with a dedicated team of Kent attorneys to learn what to do.
Proving that a Kent Property Owner was Negligent
A dedicated attorney could help someone who fell prove that the owner of the premises was negligent.
Legal Right to be on the Premises
The claimant needs to prove that they had a legal right to be on the property. Guests, customers, visitors, invitees, and tenants who hurt themselves could be eligible for compensation.
Hazardous Condition on the Property
The claimant needs to show that an unsafe condition caused them to fall. Some examples of hidden hazards on the property are as follows:
- Wet floors
- Narrow or broken stairs
- Poor lighting
- Torn carpeting
- Broken or missing handrails on staircases or steps
- Uneven walking surfaces
- Loose floorboards
- Potholes in parking lots
Seasoned Kent attorneys have had success litigating trip and fall claims involving a wide variety of safety hazards.
The Owner Should Have Removed the Unsafe Condition
The claimant then needs to prove that the person in charge of the premises knew, or should have known, about the hazard. Owners have a duty to ensure that their properties are reasonably safe. To fulfill that duty, they need to regularly inspect the premises for hidden dangers. If they learn of a hazardous condition, they need to remove it quickly. Alternatively, they can put up a warning to notify visitors and guests about the unsafe condition.
The Unsafe Condition Caused the Fall and Resulting Injuries
A claimant needs to show they fell and suffered harm because of the unsafe condition. For example, a customer in a department store could demonstrate that they twisted their ankle because of an uneven, torn carpet. Experienced Kent attorneys have a proven track record of helping survivors of falls recover what they need to resume productive lives.
Meet with a Kent Slip and Fall Attorney Now to Talk about a Claim
Accidents can occur in domestic, commercial, industrial, and public settings. Property owners have a duty to minimize the risk of falling and should be liable for your injuries if they fail to remove a hazard or warn you about it. Let a Kent slip and fall lawyer help you hold that negligent property owner accountable for their mistake. Call our office today to begin your recovery today.