In most cities, sidewalks are vital parts of the city itself. They provide a way for people to move around the city quickly and easily. Unfortunately, they can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. In many cities, accidents happen on sidewalks fairly often. Slip and fall accidents might seem like trivial mistakes, but they can cause serious injuries.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Causes of these accidents might happen due to the following reasons:
- potholes or cracks in the sidewalks
- snow piled too high against city buildings causing people to slip and fall
- people in a rush walking fast or even running, which can lead to people bumping into others or stepping into the street without looking
- city building code violations
Who Is Responsible for an Injury?
As pedestrians, we should look ahead before stepping onto the sidewalk. If an accident occurs in such a scenario, courts will likely find the injured party liable for their injuries. However, if the injury was because someone else failed in their responsibilities (aka due to negligence), it is imperative to contact an attorney as soon as possible before the statute of limitations expires. You may qualify to file a personal injury lawsuit claim as a result of a slip on a sidewalk injury if:
- The cause must be related to the defective condition.
- It was within property boundaries.
- The condition was the proximate cause of your slip & fall accident.
How Long After the Injury Can I Sue?
If you were seriously injured by a faulty stairway railing, uneven sidewalk, or unsafe curb, contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights and options regarding compensation after slip and fall accidents. The sooner you do this, the better, even if it’s only been a few days since your accident!
What Do I Expect After Filing the Lawsuit?
After an accident like this, consult with an experienced attorney about your rights and options before signing any legal documents offered by insurance companies. Your attorney will handle your case by negotiating with the insurance company of the party who caused your injuries. Even though you may be in pain, try to hold off on any settlement negotiations until after you’ve received all medical treatment.
What if I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
You don’t need to worry about paying the lawyers with money that should go towards medical bills after injuries caused by such accidents. The attorneys work with clients on a contingency basis which means they get paid once you do and not until then. This way, you never have any unexpected expenses while fighting insurance companies who want nothing more than to keep people from getting what they deserve after serious slip and fall injuries.
How To Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents
Always look ahead so that if something goes wrong, you won’t land face first. Be aware of your surroundings at all times to reduce slip and fall injuries wherever possible. However, if an accident does happen despite your best efforts, do not panic; instead, get help immediately because time is of the essence with these types of cases.
