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Frequently Asked Questions about Slip and Fall Accidents
Q: What is a "licensee?"
A: Under common law principles, a licensee is a person who enters the premises with the landowner's express or implied permission for his or her own purposes rather than for the landowner's benefit. An example of a licensee is a social guest. An owner or occupier of land has a duty to warn a licensee of a dangerous condition that creates an unreasonable risk of harm if it is known to the owner or occupier and not likely to be discovered by the licensee.
Q. I was invited to a neighbor's house for a party and was injured while I was there. Can I recover for my injuries?
A: Under common law principles, a property owner's duty to an entrant depends on the entrant's legal status as an invitee, licensee or trespasser. A social guest, such as a person invited to a party, is considered a licensee. In this example, the neighbor had a duty to warn you of a dangerous condition that creates an unreasonable risk of harm if it is known to the neighbor and not likely to be discovered by you, the guest. Thus, if you were injured on a hidden condition, such as a loose floorboard that the neighbor knew about, but did not warn you about, you may be able to recover for your injuries. The neighbor does not have a duty to inspect for defects nor to fix known defects.
Slip and fall accidents can be embarrassing, but they can also cause serious injuries. If you or a family member has been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today.
Slip and Fall Accidents Are All Too Common
New Jersey Premises Liability Attorneys
A fall on a slippery grocery store produce aisle floor . . . a trip and fall on carpeted stairs in an apartment complex. . . a fall from a hotel balcony . . . an elevator or escalator accident in a shopping mall. . . and all of a sudden you are injured. Common causes of slip and fall accidents include inadequate maintenance and poor security. If you or a family member has suffered a serious injury in a slip and fall accident, you are already painfully aware of this fact. The time to talk to a premises liability lawyer is the sooner the better.Call or e-mail Greenberg Minasian, LLC, to learn how we can help you pick up the pieces.
Slip and Fall Accidents - An Overview
A slip and fall accident generally refers to a situation in which a person slips and falls or trips and falls due to a dangerous condition on someone else's property and is injured as a result. These cases fall under the broader category of cases known as "premises liability" cases, which refer to situations when an individual is injured on property or premises owned or maintained by someone else and the owner or possessor of the property is held liable for the injury. Slip and fall accidents can happen in a wide variety of places and involve various dangerous conditions. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can determine whether you have a case.
Duties to Entrants Owed By Landowners and Occupiers
Under common law principles, which are still followed by many states today, property owners and occupiers owe different duties or have special responsibilities depending on how the people entering their property are classified. Entrants to land are classified as invitees, licensees and trespassers. Because how you are classified dictates what duty the landowner owed to you, your classification may ultimately affect your ability to recover for your injuries. An attorney with experience handling slip and fall cases can explain the classifications to you and how they affect your potential case.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accident are extremely common and can happen in a variety of locations, including grocery stores, restaurants, office buildings and shopping malls or outdoors in parking lots or on sidewalks. While slipping and falling in a public place can be embarrassing, it can also be quite painful, resulting in serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney.
Slip and Fall Accidents Involving Snow or Ice
Icy and snowy conditions are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents. Slick surfaces on sidewalks, outdoor steps and parking lots can be hazardous for pedestrians, especially if the hazardous condition is not obvious, as is the case with black ice. If you or a loved one was injured after slipping and falling on an icy sidewalk, an experienced personal injury attorney can explain your legal options.
Liability of Retail Stores and Other Businesses
Retail stores and other businesses typically attract a large number of people who enter onto their premises to browse and shop or conduct other business. A large number of customers and other commercial traffic enter stores, offices and businesses every day, and slip and fall accidents are common in these venues. If you were injured after slipping or tripping and falling in a retail store or other business, the storeowner or business operator may be liable for your injuries. Contact a personal injury attorney for an analysis of your claim.
Slip and Fall Resource Links
American Orthopaedic Association
This site contains information about the American Orthopaedic Association.
Preventing Injuries from Slips, Trips and Falls
Article on preventing slip and fall injuries from the National Ag Safety Database.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
This Web site has information and links about preventing workplace injuries and illnesses.
Fall Prevention: 6 Ways to Reduce Your Falling Risk
Article by the Mayo Clinic staff discussing fall-prevention measures.
Prevention of Slips, Trips, Falls and Injuries
This article contains information about preventing slips and trips and common injuries. Provided by St. Luke's Health System.
