Slip and fall accidents are often the result of commercial property owners that operate retail stores, supermarkets and eateries that fail to take reasonable measure to protect patrons from foreign substances on the floor or objects that block walkways. Although some people assume that slip and fall accidents routinely result in relatively minor injuries, the reality is that many slip and falls result in life-altering injuries and even fatalities. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to suffering serious injury in slip and fall accidents. When pursuing compensation for a slip and fall accident in Mississippi, our experienced Mississippi slip and fall attorneys can carefully investigate slip and fall accidents to develop an effective litigation strategy for our slip and fall injury clients. We have provided some answers to frequently asked questions about slip and fall claims.
If I am injured by an unsafe condition on another’s premises, am I entitled to compensation?
Many people presume that if they are injured by a hazard on the property of another, they can successfully pursue damages. The reality is that there are many factors that impact whether you can successfully seek a legal claim for slip and fall accident. Some of the relevant factors include the reason that you are on the property, the nature of the hazard, the duration of time the hazard has been present and other factors. Generally, a property owner has a duty to keep his/her property in safe condition and to take reasonable measures to eliminate hazardous conditions on their property.
What are common causes of Mississippi slip and fall accidents?
- Falls on wet freshly mopped floors without adequate warnings or barriers
- Tripping over objects in the aisles of stores
- Accidents resulting from tripping over barricades
- Falls caused by failure to properly inspect and clean floors
- Defective stairway accidents
Are most injuries in slip and fall accidents relatively minor?
There are approximately 300,000 slip and fall accidents annually that result in some form of “debilitating” injury. The elderly are particularly susceptible to severe injuries in slip and fall accidents with almost two people per hour suffering fatal injury in a slip and fall accident.
What types of compensation is available in a Mississippi slip and fall accident?
When you are injured by the negligence of a property owner who fails to take reasonable measures to make their premises safe or warn of dangerous conditions, an injury victim may be able to recover both economic damages like lost income, lost future earnings and medical expenses as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, impaired enjoyment of life and other forms of damages.
Does someone’s purpose for being on the property of another affect their legal obligations to make the premises safe?
Generally, property owners have a greater duty to protect those on the property for a legitimate basis that benefits both parties than someone who is merely visiting as a social guest. If a person is on the property to conduct business, provide maintenance or repair services, participate in a meeting of a civic organization or other purpose that benefits both parties, the property owner basically has a legal obligation to make the premises safe. When someone is only a social guest, the property owner must warn or correct hazards that the property owner knows exist.
Can a property owner be liable for injuries suffered by a trespasser.
Generally, a property owner has the lowest level of responsibility to those who trespass. A property owner may be liable for known hazards if the owner knows the trespasser is present on the premises. The premise owner also may be liable if injuries are caused by traps designed to harm a trespasser. A child trespasser also is treated differently. Because children may lack the age and experience to appreciate hazardous conditions on the premises, property owners may be liable to a child that trespasses based on the attractive nuisance doctrine. The attractive nuisance doctrine basically imposes liability on property owners for conditions that may be attractive but not appreciated by children. The classic example is a swimming pool.
While this information may answer some of your questions about Mississippi slip and fall accidents, the best option for obtaining more detailed information is to speak to a Mississippi slip and fall attorney at Barrett Law. Our Mississippi law firm understands the importance of careful investigation and discovery in slip and fall cases and works diligently to obtain the best possible result for our clients. The experienced Mississippi slip and fall accident attorneys at Barrett Law have been providing aggressive representation to Mississippi slip and fall victims for over 75 years. We provide diligent legal representation and impassioned advocacy so we invite you to call us today at 662-834-2376 to learn how we can help.