Warning Signs in Slip and Fall Claims

Slip and fall accidents can result in serious head or back injuries and broken bones, especially in older individuals. If you are seeking compensation from injuries suffered in a slip and fall accident that happened on a property, warning signs can play an important role in proving your premises liability case.

Factors in a Premises Liability Case

There are several factors to consider when bringing a claim against the property owner where your slip and fall occurred:

• Why were you on the property?
• Were there safety hazards on the property and did the owner know about them?
• If the owner knew, did he or she take reasonable measures to remedy the problem or post warning signs about the existence of a hazard?

The primary goal of a premises liability case is to prove that the property owner was negligent in his or her responsibility to show a duty of care for those visiting the premises. In a business situation, such as grocery shopping, you are considered an invitee and the owner has a higher responsibility to invitees entering the property. Conversely, if you are trespassing on private property, the owner has no responsibility for injuries you incur under those circumstances.

Warning signs do not always relieve a property owner of liability for the injuries caused by a safety hazard on the property. If you slip and fall because of wet conditions left after a cleanup, even when a warning sign has been posted, you may still be able to bring a claim of negligence against the owner.

Your attorney will need to show that the warning sign was insufficient to provide notice of the existing hazard. The following factors may apply:

• The sign may have been too small or was not visible as visitors approached the hazard
• The sign was not near the accident scene
• The sign was in a different language
• The lighting at the scene of the accident was insufficient

Common Causes of Slip and Falls

Reasons for a slip and fall can include:

• Uneven flooring, including tile, carpeting, and changes in surface
• Cracks in pavement
• Snow and ice
• Wet or slick floors
• Potholes
• Debris
• Broken handrails on stairs
• Inadequate lighting

Document Your Slip and Fall

Every slip and fall case is different and the circumstances surrounding your fall are important. If it is possible, gathering evidence at the time of the accident can help your case when you decide to seek compensation for your injuries. Take pictures of where you fell and obtain the contact information from any witnesses. Ask them to write down what they saw as it happened. Write down your own description of the accident and the circumstances surrounding it immediately as sometimes shock and dealing with injuries after an accident can prevent you from remembering important details.

Cherry Hill Slip and Fall Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Help Victims Seeking Compensation for Their Injuries

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be eligible for compensation. The experienced Cherry Hill slip and fall lawyers at DiTomaso Law can help you determine your legal options. Call us today 856-414-0010 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We are conveniently located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, serving clients throughout the surrounding areas.