Radcliff Slip/Trip and Fall Lawyer

Millions of people around the country fall at some point each year, but most can get up off the ground without suffering anything more serious than embarrassment. Thousands of people, however, end up in the hospital with serious injuries.

If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident, we can help. Meagher Injury Lawyers is the law firm to contact to determine whether you have a legal right to financial compensation. We offer a free consultation with a Radcliff slip and fall lawyer, call our law firm today.

What Causes Falls?

There are many hazards we see on properties that can upend even a careful person. Some of these hazards occur naturally, but others are created by the property owner. Common hazards that can lead to a fall include:

• Snow
• Ice
• Spilled liquids or condensation
• Uneven floorboards
• Extension cords
• Torn carpets
• Missing banisters and handrails
• Defective steps
• Trash or debris
• Boxes
• Poor lighting

Most people suffer injuries when they land on the ground or floor. The fall can result in fractures, concussions, and neck injuries. Others are hurt when they wrench their back sharply to avoid falling, which might lead to a back sprain.

When Can You Sue?

Most slip and fall (or trip and fall) cases are premises liability claims. This is the law governing how owners maintain their property. Put simply, the law requires that owners put forth a reasonable effort to keep the premises safe for visitors.

More specifically, an owner’s duties will depend on why you are on the property. If you were invited to do business, then the owner must inspect the premises regularly to find hazards and then fix or repair them in a timely manner. They also must warn you about risks they can’t immediately fix. This is why stores usually put out a cone or wet floor sign informing you they have mopped the floors.

If you were invited onto the property for a non-business purpose, the owner owes you lesser duties. In particular, they should fix hazards they discover and warn about dangerous conditions. But they do not have to affirmatively inspect the premises.

When it comes to trespassers, owners owe them nothing but to refrain from intentionally hurting them. It is much harder for someone to receive compensation unless the accident was a child, in which specific rules apply.

Key Pieces of Evidence in a Slip and Fall Case

In many slip/trip and fall cases, one issue in dispute is whether the property owner knew of the hazard. For example, imagine you go into a fast-food restaurant and slip on melted ice cubes near the soda machine. This hazard appears so regularly that restaurant staff should know about it. But if you visit your sister-in-law and walk into her backfield, she might not know a sinkhole has opened in the ground.

We regularly search for evidence to help strengthen your case. If you are hurt inside a business, then security video probably exists. This can show when a hazard arose, such as spilled liquids in a grocery store aisle.

We also rely on your witness testimony. Whoever saw you fall can testify that the hazard existed and that you were not negligent yourself.

Kentucky Personal Injury Laws

Certain state laws will impact your case:

1. Statute of limitations. This is the amount of time you have to sue. Generally, you only get one year in Kentucky, and the clock starts on the day when you were hurt.
2. Comparative negligence. Some slip and fall victims are partially to blame for an accident. Imagine a person looking at their phone who slips on some ice in a store that maybe would have seen the ice had they not been looking at their phone. Your compensation will be reduced by your degree of fault.
3. Attractive nuisance. Children can be drawn onto property by items like swimming pools, machinery, or abandoned appliances. If so, then a trespassing child can often receive compensation for slipping and falling.

Our legal team stays abreast of changes in Kentucky personal injury law and uses this knowledge to our clients’ advantage. Let us get to work for you during this difficult time.

Discuss Your Legal Rights with a Radcliff Slip and Fall Attorney

Slip and fall and trip and fall accidents are very serious, and victims can incur huge medical bills. Other losses can include lost income or property damage, which only adds extra financial stress. Helpfully, you might qualify for compensation if the property owner failed to exercise due care. For assistance, call our Radcliff slip/trip and fall Attorneys at Meagher Injury Lawyers today at (502) 309-9213 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.