People should always be aware and cautious of their surroundings while they are out walking. Even with this in mind, it is still possible for an accident and injury to happen during everyday life. Accidents can happen when property conditions are not well maintained by those who are obligated to look after them. They may happen on sidewalks, in hotels, supermarkets, elevators, and even parking lots. These accidents sometimes cause injuries like concussions, broken bones, brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and more. While it is important to seek medical attention immediately after being injured, individuals often wish to seek legal action at a later date.
Examples of Accidents
There are several ways a pedestrian could be injured on public or private property. Possible factors can include:
- Poor weather conditions
- Slippery floors
- Loose debris on the floor
- Hazardous materials
- Broken escalators or elevators
- Unexpected changes in flooring
- Poor lighting
If an injury occurs as a result of one of these factors, the injured may have a legal case against the property owner. It is important to file a claim for your accident within a reasonable time. While in some cases it might be challenging to prove dangerous conditions were present, an experienced attorney can help. In the state of Arizona, the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for a personal injury is two years from the date of the accident.
Proving Negligence
While uncovering who is responsible for a slip and fall injury, it is important to know who is liable for the property on which you fell. To hold them responsible, the injured must provide what is called the “burden of proof.” This requires the injured to collect evidence of the property owner’s negligence. This evidence must show that the property owner is responsible for your injury. This requires the evidence to prove the owner of that property knew about the hazardous conditions and did nothing to fix it. Medical documentation, pictures and possible witnesses to the incident can be used to help your case.
Compensation for Injuries
If your case is proved to be successful, you may be able to receive monetary compensation due to your injury. This may include:
- Wages lost
- Loss of future wages
- Medical bills as a result of the injury
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Contact
If you have been injured in a sidewalk accident and wish to speak with an attorney about the best course of action for your incident, contact Weintraub & Weintraub today.
The legal team at Weintraub & Weintraub has years of experience representing clients who have been injured in accidents due to the negligence of others as well as those who are facing charges of driving under the influence. If you need strong legal representation, contact our firm today.