Slip and Fall Injuries: Premises Liability

Waxhaw, Union County slip and fall accidents fall under a line of personal injury cases referred to as premises liability. While these cases seem to be simple, they rarely are. There are several factors that affect a slip and fall case including contributory negligence, comparative negligence, and insurance.

Not surprisingly, someone who suffers a serious slip and fall will likely suffer a serious injury. Some common injuries may include internal bleeding, brain injuries, broken bones, and even paralysis. Slip and fall injuries can negatively affect a victim’s quality of life and ability to be employed. As a result, slip and fall injuries carry a large financial burden in addition to the medical issues from the accident. This is because medical care and treatment for a victim of a slip and fall accident can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. When a slip and fall victim is unable to work due to his or her injuries, the financial stress surrounding the accident is even more difficult to deal with for the victim and their family.

The skilled North Carolina personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC fight hard to help slip and fall victims seek and receive the monetary compensation they deserve. These skilled attorneys can establish negligence on the part of the property owner or operator. We will advocate on your behalf and build your case to seek damages for you and your loved ones. This is because Union County property owners owe a duty and legal responsibility to ensure the premises are suitable and safe.

Accordingly, if a property owner or operator has failed to ensure the premises are suitable and safe – such as free from potential hazards – our attorneys can work to make them liable for their negligent actions (or inactions). Examples of negligence include failure to provide sufficient warning about conditions or failure to keep up with repairs. Our North Carolina personal injury attorneys may also be able to establish that the property owner or operator knew, or should have known, about the dangerous conditions and still failed to take the necessary steps to correct the hazardous condition.

There are several factors that may contribute to a Monroe Union County slip and fall accident. These include, but are not limited to:

• Ice or snow on the floor;
• Torn or ripped carpeting;
• Slippery floor surfaces;
• Exposed holes in the ground;
• Standing water or liquid;
• Insufficient lighting;
• Uneven walkways;
• Lack of posted warning signs; and
• Poorly maintained or damaged floors.

Slip and fall cases are similar to premises liability cases. Typically, both involve personal injuries that occurred on another’s property. Generally, the theory of liability – or determining who is financially responsible for harm suffered – is often related to the property owner or operator’s failure to provide a safe and secure property for guests. If you have been hurt in a Waxhaw slip and fall or premises liability case, it is important to show the property owner or operator was negligent and failed to cure hazards or provide adequate security.

Unlike other states in the nation, North Carolina does not provide for strict liability when it comes to premises liability cases. Instead, state law requires an injured victim establish that a property owner or operator knew or should have known of the hazardous condition that caused the accident and resulting injuries. Beyond this, an injured victim may claim a property owner or operator failed to take reasonable or adequate steps to cure the defective condition.

There are several types of premises liability cases, including:

• Dog bite attacks;
• Criminal assaults;
• Drowning in unsafe pools;
• Falling objects;
• Construction site injuries; and
• Insufficient lighting or security.

Like many other states across the nation, North Carolina follows the doctrine of contributory negligence when it comes to personal injury cases. This means that if the victim is negligent in any way at all and contributed to his or her own injuries, he or she is barred from recovering any monetary compensation from other at-fault parties.

If you believe that you need assistance filing a claim for slip and fall, or know someone who does, it is important that you consult with a personal injury attorney immediately. The law firm of Arnold & Smith, LLC will provide you with the personal attention and guidance that you deserve. We understand the difficulty that can surround a slip and fall injury and we are committed to fighting for your rights throughout the entire process.