Posted Aug 2024
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. They are often dangerous and can leave a victim with severe injuries requiring expensive medical treatment. Slip and fall incidents often occur on someone else’s property. Arizona law seeks to hold property owners or managers responsible for slip and fall incidents on their property.
While the law entitles you to compensation in a slip and fall accident on another’s property, you need to prove the property owner’s negligence. There are some things you need to know to prove liability and get compensation for your damages in a Scottsdale slip and fall incident.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Incidents
Several dangerous conditions can lead to a slip-and-fall accident, including:
You must sustain some kind of injury due to the unsafe conditions to be eligible for compensation.
In Arizona, slip and fall incidents fall under premise liability claims. The premise liability law requires property owners to maintain safe conditions on their property. This makes property owners liable for any slip-and-fall accidents that occur due to hazardous conditions on their property.
The law requirement means property owners owe a duty of care to people who visit their premises. But, they only have a duty of care to legal visitors. For instance, a property owner does not owe a duty of care to a trespasser who gets injured on their property.
Premise liability claims in Arizona are also subject to some key rules and regulations, including comparative negligence and statute of limitations.
What to Do After a Scottsdale Slip and Fall Accident
There are several steps you can take after a slip and fall accident for your safety and a successful claim. The steps include;
You should seek immediate medical care for injuries in a slip and fall accident. Even if you do not think you are not injured, you should visit the emergency room for a physical examination. You need to take precautions to avoid hidden and serious injuries like traumatic brain injury.
Seeking prompt medical attention also helps document your injuries for a successful slip and fall accident case.
You should take photos of the accident scene to use as evidence in your slip and fall case. Take photos of your injuries as well. You can also interview witnesses or get their contact information.
Documenting the scene gives credibility to your personal injury claim as it confirms the existence of hazardous conditions. If possible, the documentation should be immediate as a malicious property owner can alter the scene to their advantage.
Notify the property or business owner about your slip and fall accident. File an incident report and get a copy of the report before leaving the accident scene. The accident report helps notify the insurance company about your accident and related claims. The notice and the report are crucial for a successful personal injury claim.
You should not discuss the incident with the insurance company without legal representation. The insurance adjuster may trick you into making an incriminating statement that they can later use to reduce or even deny your claim. Politely refuse to discuss the incident or sign any documents without legal advice.
A skilled slip-and-fall accident lawyer will offer valuable guidance and help protect your rights. They will help you gather necessary evidence, and review and investigate your case. They will also negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf and represent you in court, if necessary.
While Arizona law entitles you to compensation in a slip and fall accident due to another’s negligence, it is not automatic. You must prove the property owner’s negligence. The law requires you to establish four elements of negligence, including:
You can recover damages in an Arizona slip and fall accident. The types of damages you can recover include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Several factors influence the amount of compensation you can receive, including the severity of your injuries and the property owner’s degree of negligence. The accident’s impact on your quality of life, including whether it has left you paralyzed or unable to work, also influences the value of compensation.
A slip-and-fall accident claim involves navigating complex legal concepts. You also need to prove negligence to obtain compensation. You need a skilled and experienced slip-and-fall attorney to help you navigate the complex process and recover damages.
If you have sustained injuries in a Scottsdale slip and fall accident due to another’s negligence, we are here for you. Contact our well-qualified and experienced Scottsdale slip and fall accident attorney at Huselid & Huselid Law. We will defend your rights and help you get fair compensation for your injuries and other damages. Contact us for a free consultation and to learn more about our services.