Who Is Responsible for Slip and Fall Accidents Outside a Business?

Slip and fall accidents are far more common than you might think. And it’s not just people falling down and walking it off—these accidents often result in serious injuries and someone needs to be held accountable. But who is responsible and how can you make sure they’re going to take responsibility as they should? 

Premises Liability 

Slip and fall accidents are classified under the legal umbrella of premises liability. Essentially, this means that the property owner of the premises would be legally responsible for whatever accidents occur on the property. This, of course, is if the injuries are sustained as a result of negligence on behalf of the property owner. 

If you fall outside of a store at the mall, for example, your complaint would be with the owner of the mall building, not the store renting the space. In some cases, the tenant could also be held liable for injuries if they’re responsible for keeping the property maintained or safe. 

Reasonable Action to Prevent Harm 

If a business or property owner takes “reasonable action” to prevent people from getting injured, they may not be held liable for slip and fall accidents. For example, if you slip on an icy patch by the door but there’s a “Caution” sign warning you of the risk, liability is typically absolved. 

It’s not fair to assume that just because you fall outside a business, it’s their fault. However, that’s a fair assessment in many cases. If you feel that the business did not do its part here, you may want to talk to a personal injury lawyer. 

What Happens During a Slip and Fall Case?

If you decide to pursue a lawsuit against someone for a slip and fall accident, you will want to retain a personal injury attorney. They know the laws and can help you figure out what to expect from your case. Your case will be reviewed and the company will have time to respond to your lawsuit. In many instances, these cases are settled out of court. However, you can take your case in front of a judge if you aren’t pleased with the settlement options you’re offered. 

The bottom line is that if you’ve been injured because of a slip and fall accident, you have rights as a victim. Reach out to Grewer Law Group and get help fighting your case today.