All kinds of environmental conditions can cause slip and fall injuries. Although these incidents are often attributed to slippery surfaces on floors and walkways, many more conditions can contribute to an unsafe walking area. For example, poor lighting may inhibit your ability to see as you are walking, causing you to trip and fall over any hazards that may be in your way. If you have been hurt in such a fall and you need to file a suit claim, it is essential to provide several forms of evidence that proves the negligent party as responsible for the poor lighting that caused your slip and fall injuries.
you have the right to file a claim for compensation. To learn how to do so, see the information below.
Filing a Claim for a Slip and Fall Injury
Property managers must provide a safe walking space for visitors to their business, home, or other building. This is called the “duty of care.” This duty is one of the central components of a valid slip and fall case, and the burden of proof will revolve around it. In other words, you will be required to prove the following to have a successful claim:
- The owner of the property had a duty of care to you and other visitors.
- They were not mindful of this duty of care, and so violated it.
- Note: Poor lighting falls under the duty of care because it is critical to keeping a walking area safe. Without appropriate visibility, visitors are unable to see where they or others are going and have an increased risk of encountering hazardous objects or circumstances. Thus, their risk of injury rises as well.
- This neglect directly caused your fall, and therefore, your injury.
Note that the property owner should have had proper notice to the poor lighting in the area. This is another critical detail to your case. If they were unaware of the inadequate visibility, they would not have had the opportunity to take action to resolve the issue. Fortunately, your slip and fall accident lawyer will be equipped to reveal this information and demonstrate that the property owner was aware of the poor lighting. They will also prove that this individual neglected to provide a resolution, even with the appropriate knowledge.
How to File a Claim for a Slip and Fall Injury
After your fall, you must take a few steps to ensure that the incident is thoroughly documented:
- Report your fall to the property owner or manager. Obtain a copy of the report if you can.
- Take photos and videos of the area in which you fell. Make sure to reflect the inadequate lighting accurately. If there were broken lights or other such flaws that contributed to the unsafe environment, photograph and record these issues.
- Seek medical attention. Many people are surprised at the types of injuries that can arise in slip and fall accidents. Even if you do not feel hurt, see a doctor, as they can alert you to any current or impending medical problems.
After you have accomplished all these tasks, it’s time to hire a slip and fall accident lawyer. Property owners will do everything they can to invalidate your case to avoid an expensive payout. Yet, with the protection of an experienced legal defense, you can rest assured that you will earn your deserved compensation to fund your recovery. Get in touch with a lawyer today to start your case.
