Slips, Trips and Falls: Common Myths
Incidents that occur when an individual slips on something, trips on something, or falls due to some present hazard are referred to as “slip, trip, and fall” cases. These types of incidents comprise some of the most commonly made personal injury claims, particularly from individuals in older age brackets. However, the widespread nature of slip, trip, and fall cases can perpetuate myths and misunderstandings. Here are some of the most common myths regarding slip, trip, and fall cases, as well as the truth behind them.
Business Owners Are Automatically Responsible for Any Falls on Their Properties
It is a common yet incorrect belief that business owners are liable for slips, trips, or falls occurring on their property, regardless of any other conditions. In fact, business owners are only liable if it was the owner who created the hazardous condition that led to the slip, the trip, or the fall. Business owners are also liable if they knew the hazardous condition existed or they should have known. For instance, a business may be liable for the injuries of a person who slipped on spilled liquid at a supermarket. However, the individual would need to be able to demonstrate that the business either caused the spill, knew that the slippery surface was present, or that the dangerous condition was present long enough for the business owner to reasonably know that there was a risk.
Someone Only Needs Medical Attention If His or Her Injury Is Obviously Serious
Most people are aware that if they sustained a serious injury, the best route is to call an ambulance or have someone transport them to an emergency room or to a doctor as quickly as possible. However, many people also mistakenly believe that if they do not believe they had a serious injury at the time they slipped, tripped, or fell, then there is no need to see a doctor. In fact, many injuries become evident only in the days following the incident that caused them. Additionally, even if your injuries were not life-threatening, seeing a doctor can ensure that you have medical documentation to back up your personal injury claim later on, should you decide to make one. Without this documentation, it may be easy for a defendant to argue that your injuries did not result from the defendant’s conduct, took place at a different time than the one to which you attest, or even do not exist at all.
Any Lawyer Can Help With a Slip, Trip, or Fall Claim
Lawyers, like doctors or business people, develop extensive experience in specific areas of practice. As an individual with a toothache would likely benefit less from seeing a podiatrist as opposed to a dentist, so too an individual with a slip, trip, or fall claim may receive some assistance, but not the best assistance, from an lawyer inexperienced with slip, trip, and fall claims. At Barbas, Nunez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian, Tampa lawyers experienced in slip, trip, and fall claims are available. If you have been injured in slip, trip, or a fall, call toll-free at 1 (800) 227-2275 for a consultation today.
