Sometimes an accident happens on someone’s property and no one is really to blame. A problem arises when it’s clear that a property owner knew about a dangerous condition and did nothing to address it. It is their responsibility to prevent accidents like falls. If you got hurt on someone else’s property and you believe that it was due to their negligence, you may want to pursue a personal injury case. A Washington D.C. slip & fall lawyer from our firm may be able to help you.
What Can a Property Owner Do to Prevent Accidents?
A property owner can do plenty to prevent accidents and falls on their land. They should be on the lookout for common hazards, including:
- Holes
- Wet floors
- Broken or damaged stairs
- Areas with poor lighting
- Uneven walkways
- Debris from construction
- Broken handrails
Any dangerous conditions that are spotted need to be addressed right away. Not everything can be fixed in an instant, but if there is a dangerous part of the property and the owner knows about it, they can at least put up a sign or employ other methods to keep people away from a place where they could slip and fall.
Can an Accident Victim Be Partly to Blame?
If you sue over an accident on someone else’s property, they might try to blame you for at least contributing to an accident. This can be an effective defense, because you could end up being unable to recover damages even if you are only slightly at fault. This is why hiring a lawyer can be a good plan. They can represent you and prevent you from saying anything potentially incriminating.
When Can I Sue a Property Owner For Compensation?
You should sue a property owner if you were hurt and you believe that they could have done something to prevent your accident. Someone who does not clear their property of hazards or at least warn invitees about them should be held accountable for their lack of responsibility.
Your compensation should help you cover medical expenses and any wages you missed while you were recovering. You should also receive money that can help make up for the psychic toll these events took on you and your loved ones. Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and pain from disability or disfigurement can all be considered when a fair compensation offer is being calculated.
Will I Have to Go to Trial?
Some people do not want to sue for damages because they think that they will have to go to trial and spend a bunch of time in court. Cases like these rarely go to court though. Your attorney will do their best to negotiate a fair settlement before things go that far. If you do end up going to trial, your attorney can help you build a case that can succeed in court.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are ready to move forward with a personal injury suit, contact Trombly & Singer, PLLC. We can schedule a consultation and tell you more about how our lawyers can be of assistance. We are ready to help you with your injury claim.
