Serving Nashville, Tennessee
What should I do if I slip and fall on someone else's property?
If you slip and fall in a public area or on someone else's property, treat your situation much as you would a car accident. Don't make any statements that could be construed as admitting the slip and fall accident was your fault, especially if you have any reason to believe it could have been prevented by proper maintenance of the property. For example, if you slip and fall on an icy sidewalk, don't tell anyone that it was probably due to your own clumsiness or not paying attention. If the sidewalk had been properly cleared, you might not have fallen, which could leave the property owner open to a premises liability suit.
Depending on the apparent severity of your injuries, call 911 or consult a physician as soon as possible. Proper assessment of your injuries is also very important when it comes to supporting a premises liability suit.
How do I know if the property owner is liable for my accident?
Premises liability can be complicated to prove. The responsibility of a property owner for accidents on his property is based on whether the owner takes reasonable and regular precautions as far as making sure the property is safe and properly maintained. Other factors can include the circumstances under which you entered the property. For examples, trespassers often are not eligible to file a premises liability suit. There is also usually a statute of limitations for filing a premises liability suit, so be sure to act promptly.
The best way to determine if a property owner is liable for your accident is to consult an experienced premises liability attorney.
Under what circumstances might the property owner be liable for my injuries?
If the property owner doesn't properly maintain the property, and your injury can be directly blamed on his negligence in this area, the property owner can be found liable for your injuries. In addition, if there are laws or a statute in effect in the town where your accident occurs that requires the property owner to maintain certain safety standards, violation of these laws could also render the property owner liable. For example, if the township requires that sidewalks be cleared of ice and snow within a certain amount of time after a snowfall, a property owner could be found liable for a slip and fall accident on an icy sidewalk on his property.
How can I prevent slip and fall accidents on my property?
To prevent slip and fall accidents on your own property, be sure to be aware of hazards that might exist such as holes, fallen limbs, or ice and snow. Inside, be sure to keep cords and wires up off the floors to prevent tripping, and be sure any structures on your property are in good repair. Follow any local laws or guidelines for clearing rubbish or weather-related obstacles from your property, as well.
If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident on someone else's property, and believe you might have a case for a premises liability suit, please contact Nashville, Tennessee slip and fall accident attorneys at James R. Omer & Associates, PLLC. We can evaluate your case and find out what we can do to get you appropriate compensation for your injuries.
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