Most people have experienced some kind of fall. Maybe you’ve tripped on a sidewalk or slipped on an ice patch, only to pick yourself up, brush yourself off and carry on with your day.Some people are not as fortunate. Falls are a leading cause of serious injuries, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 800,000 people are treated for injuries related to falls each year – and they are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries across the United States.
Falls are also more common than you might think: The National Floor Safety Institute reports that falls are the number-one reason for emergency room visits in the United States.
If you were injured in a slip and fall on a commercial property, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income and other damages. Contact a Cedar Rapids accident lawyer from Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC to discuss your case. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free consultation with a personal-injury attorney.
4 Factors You Will Have to Prove to Win a Premises Liability Claim
Owners, landlords and managers of commercial properties – such as supermarkets and restaurants – are expected to provide their patrons with a reasonable degree of care. When someone is injured on their premises, they may be liable for damages if the injury happened because they did not perform reasonable maintenance, fix a hazard in a reasonable amount of time, or provide an adequate warning about a hazard.
You will have to prove these four elements to win a premises liability claim:
1. Duty of Care
To prove the owner of the site of your injury is liable for damages, you will first have to establish that he or she had a legal duty to maintain the safe condition of the property. For example, a public business is usually expected to provide its patrons with a reasonably safe environment.
2. Breach of Duty
You will then have to show that the owner or manager of the premises breached his or her duty of care. As previously mentioned, a breach of duty may involve a failure to perform reasonable maintenance, to fix a hazard in a reasonable amount of time, or to provide an adequate warning about a danger on the property.
3. Causation
You will have to prove that the breach of duty caused your injuries or loss.
4. Damages
Finally, you will have to prove the value of your damages. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income and non-economic damages. Your personal-injury attorney may reference doctors’ records, pay stubs and other evidence to prove your damages.
Did you slip, fall and hurt yourself in Iowa? Contact a personal-injury attorney from Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. A Cedar Rapids accident lawyer will assess your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a consultation.